Ekklesia: God’s Idea of Churchනියැදිය

Day 12: A church that loves sincerely

There is a simple test to assess if we truly know God. This knowledge is not some mystical vision or intellectual insight. Instead, it is manifested through our life and actions. God’s love is made complete in someone who obeys God and follows the life example of Christ. The Bible makes it plain that the command to love is fundamental to Christian life. While the old command to love God and love our neighbour has not changed, the new command calls us to let God’s light shine through our lives into a dark world. This unconditional love will be how the world identifies God’s church as Christ followers!

According to the Apostle John, how we conduct ourselves with others is a simple test of whether we are living in the light or in darkness. He even goes so far to say that if we cannot love one another, we cannot possibly claim to love God! Our heart cannot harbour hatred towards others and grow spiritually at the same time. Despite how unlovable some people may be, we can love with a supernatural love that comes from God, a love that covers a multitude of sins.

To live in love is to walk in the light, for love and light go together. Just as our obedience is a measure of our fellowship with God, our love for other fellow believers serves as a direct indicator of our relationship with God. A growing relationship with God naturally results in healthy and loving relationships with others.

Reflect & Respond

• Are there people in church, or in your life, that you find difficult to love?
• Pray for your own heart to be able to love with a love that comes first from God.