Love is an action, not a feeling

I John 3:16–18
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Christian love has both a positive and negative aspect. “Cease to do evil; learn to do well” (Isaiah 1:16-17). Every Christian knows John 3:16 but how many of us pay attention to I John 3:16? Christ left an example for us as He willingly laid down His life for us (v. 16). Real love is an action, not a feeling. It produces selfless sacrificial giving. This means serving with no thought of receiving anything in return.

It is easy for us to talk about “loving the brethren” and never do a single thing to help another believer. The test of Christian love is not in great testimonies about loving the church, but in quietly helping a brother who is in need (vv. 17-18). If we do not even help a brother, it is not likely we would ever “lay down our lives” for the brethren."

If we are ever going to help our brother we must meet the following three conditions:

1. We must have the means necessary to meet his need. If we spend everything we make on our self and never save anything this will never be possible.
2. We must know the need exists. This involves getting to know people. In order to do this we must spend time communicating. How many missionary letters do you have coming to your house?
3. We must be loving enough to want to share. We are naturally selfish people. We must ask God to give us that special love and concern.

Application

I need to seek practical ways in which I can daily fulfill my responsibility to help others in God’s family. Unless I apply the truth of these Biblical principles in my own life, it will never do me or anyone else any good.