God's Love Is Real...You Have His Word On It
Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that
you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply,
from the heart. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed,
but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.
(NIV) 1 Peter 1:22-23
Ironically, when I read this verse, it is not the word "love" that
shouts at me. Five other words seem to hit me between the eyes, and
those words are "born again" and "word of God". While I don't
normally think of loving others as being directly related to being
born again and reading God's word, the meaning from 1 Peter is clear.
When we are "born again" into the family of God, we become infused,
touched and filled with the love of God, our Father. This love is
unlike the sentiments we find in flowery cards or written on balloon
bouquets. This love was not bought with coins or bills. It was paid
for with the blood of God's only Son, Jesus, who died on a cross so
that we might know and experience true love. It is nearly impossible
not to share that love with others. Knowing that God loves us
unconditionally gives us the power to love others in a deep, meaningful
way. Staying in the word of God and reading our Bible regularly keeps
our mind focused on thoughts of love. Here are a few examples of what
the scriptures say
about love:
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
(NIV) Matthew 5:44
By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one
another." (NIV) John 13:35
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his
friends. (NIV) John 15:13
Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?" He answered,
"Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Take care of my
sheep." (NIV) John 21:16
There are many sheep to be fed in our world today. This year, for
Valentine's Day, reach out in love to someone who needs you. You won't
have to wrap anything in cellophane or even buy a card.
Just feed some sheep...Because you love the Shepherd.
Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that
you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply,
from the heart. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed,
but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.
(NIV) 1 Peter 1:22-23
Ironically, when I read this verse, it is not the word "love" that
shouts at me. Five other words seem to hit me between the eyes, and
those words are "born again" and "word of God". While I don't
normally think of loving others as being directly related to being
born again and reading God's word, the meaning from 1 Peter is clear.
When we are "born again" into the family of God, we become infused,
touched and filled with the love of God, our Father. This love is
unlike the sentiments we find in flowery cards or written on balloon
bouquets. This love was not bought with coins or bills. It was paid
for with the blood of God's only Son, Jesus, who died on a cross so
that we might know and experience true love. It is nearly impossible
not to share that love with others. Knowing that God loves us
unconditionally gives us the power to love others in a deep, meaningful
way. Staying in the word of God and reading our Bible regularly keeps
our mind focused on thoughts of love. Here are a few examples of what
the scriptures say
about love:
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
(NIV) Matthew 5:44
By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one
another." (NIV) John 13:35
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his
friends. (NIV) John 15:13
Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?" He answered,
"Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Take care of my
sheep." (NIV) John 21:16
There are many sheep to be fed in our world today. This year, for
Valentine's Day, reach out in love to someone who needs you. You won't
have to wrap anything in cellophane or even buy a card.
Just feed some sheep...Because you love the Shepherd.
Sunshine Belville
