Scripture
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
Reflection
Years ago I read a book by Dr. Gary Chapman called “The 5 Love Languages”. These 5 languages express ways that we show and receive love, through: 1. Words of affirmation, 2. quality time, 3. gifts, 4. acts of service, or 5. physical touch. By knowing our love language, we get to know ourselves better which makes connecting with others easier in different kinds of relationships. As today’s scripture encourages to love one another, I find this to be helpful for us to know how to love people in practical ways.
I think about the unexpected gifts I’ve received from people, some I might not even know well but they gave me a gift when it’s not my birthday or Christmas. I think of the kind people who volunteer to help me without my asking. I think of friends who greet me with a big hug, even when I saw them often yesterday.Someone who complimented me on a project, someone who calls and says “Come over for dinner tonight!” etc…I’m sure you also have been on the giving and receiving end of these random acts. To me, these are not just acts of friendship or human kindness, but ways that God shows His love through people. These acts may stretch me beyond my comfort zone a little bit, because the command is to love everyone, even strangers. Therefore, this verse teaches another aspect of loving people, which is INTENTIONALITY. We may never know how our seemingly small gesture can affect someone else. Other people watch us all the time, and hopefully what we do will cause people to see Christ in us – and God gets the glory.
You can find out what your love language is by taking a short quiz at: www.5lovelanguages.com/
Thoughts for the day
- What does this passage tell you about God or Jesus?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- How will you respond to God’s love for you?
Prayer
Think of another person in your life who needs God to move in their situation. Ask for God to be at work. Approach the Lord of all with boldness today, knowing that he delights in you, and those you love.
