1 John 3:18-22 (KJV)18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. 19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. 20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. 21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. 22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
1. Love is more than words. (18)
We describe people as "all talk" or we say "talk is cheap". Love is more than just words...
2. Love is a lifestyle of helping others while having the right motive. (18)
Deed= our work or our labor. Our occupation. It is referencing a lifestyle of doing works in helping others.
Truth= the right action with the right motive.
Love is living a life constantly helping others according to what is right with a right motive. This would disqualify good deeds that are not rightly motivated. This would disqualify good deeds that glorify self or benefit self.
3. Love produces a heart that is right with God (19)
4. Love produces a heart free from guilt (20)
Our actions not done in Biblical love will produce a guilt in our heart. No worries, God is able to forgive and cleanse us.
5. Love produces an open and real relationship with God (21)
Interestingly when the fruit of the Spirit is listed in Galatians 5, love is listed first. The primary indication of a Spirit-filled life is a life lived loving others the way Jesus did! This was not a compromising self-serving love, but a sacrificial and giving love. A love that was demonstrated clearly on Calvary's cross.
If you want an open, close, and real relationship with God, don't violate the love principle! Love God and love others.
1. Love is more than words. (18)
We describe people as "all talk" or we say "talk is cheap". Love is more than just words...
2. Love is a lifestyle of helping others while having the right motive. (18)
Deed= our work or our labor. Our occupation. It is referencing a lifestyle of doing works in helping others.
Truth= the right action with the right motive.
Love is living a life constantly helping others according to what is right with a right motive. This would disqualify good deeds that are not rightly motivated. This would disqualify good deeds that glorify self or benefit self.
3. Love produces a heart that is right with God (19)
4. Love produces a heart free from guilt (20)
Our actions not done in Biblical love will produce a guilt in our heart. No worries, God is able to forgive and cleanse us.
5. Love produces an open and real relationship with God (21)
Interestingly when the fruit of the Spirit is listed in Galatians 5, love is listed first. The primary indication of a Spirit-filled life is a life lived loving others the way Jesus did! This was not a compromising self-serving love, but a sacrificial and giving love. A love that was demonstrated clearly on Calvary's cross.
If you want an open, close, and real relationship with God, don't violate the love principle! Love God and love others.
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