“God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom 5:8).
God did not just SAY that He loves us. As Paul stated above, God demonstrated (proved, revealed) His love for mankind by allowing Jesus to be crucified and to bear our sins on the cross.
After demonstrating us His amazing love for us, God commands us to love one another. “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another" (1 John 4:11). Moreover, Jesus said that loving others as we love ourselves is the second greatest commandment - Mark 12:29-31.
Do we take these commands seriously? It is relatively easy to shake hands or hug others and say, “I love you.” However, the love that God requires is much more than verbal acknowledgment. It must be demonstrated. Below are several Bible examples of manifesting love for others.
- Doing good and showing kindness to those who hurt, insult or oppose us (Luke 6:35-36
- Being patient with the imperfections and weaknesses of others (Eph. 4:2, Col. 3:13).
- Being ready and willing to forgive others (Matt, 6:14-15).
- Being willing to confess wrongs to one another (Jam. 5:16).
- Praying for each other (Jam. 5:16).
- Serving each another (Galatians 5:13).
- Being ready to meet the needs of others (Titus 3:14).
- Encouraging one another to do good and remain faithful to God (Heb 10:24).
Demonstrating love is not always easy or convenient, but God asks nothing of us that we cannot perform. And the reward for obeying will be more than worth it – Gal. 6:9.
A Recommitted Me in 2023!
Dennis