Loving As God Does (1 Thess. 4:9-10a)

Now as to the love of the brethren, you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; for indeed you do practice it toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia.
(1 Thessalonians 4:9-10a, NASB)

Our Lord God is described by many adjectives and names throughout the Bible, and I love that.

I love that He sees me wherever I am because He’s El Roi—the God who sees (Gen. 16:13). Or when I have a need, I know He’s Jehovah Jireh—the God who provides (Gen. 22:14). Or when I hurt, I know He will give me strength as I seek His refuge (Ps. 46:1). Or when I’m feeling anxious I can go to Jehovah Shalom—the Lord is peace (Judges 6:24). Or if everything around me seems dark, I remember God is light (1 John 1:5).

But most of all, I love that God is love—pure love (1 John 4:16). He loves me more that I could ever imagine. He loves me in spite of my sin and rebellion. He loves me so much that He was willing to send His Son—a literal part of Himself—to die for my sins, to provide a way for my salvation (John 3:16).

And because He loves me that much, how can I do anything less than love others—all others. In fact, the Bible makes it very, very clear: “The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love” (1 John 4:8). If I don’t love my brothers and sisters, I don’t know God. Convicting words, aren’t they?

So because I do know God, I must love others. No room for jealousy or hate. No room for envy or covetousness. No room for arrogance or pride.

Just love. Pure love. God’s love.

I think I have some work to do … What about you?