“I just love that hat!”
“I really love old-fashioned peanut butter!”
Words, like coins, can be in circulation for such a long time that they start wearing out. Unfortunately, love is one word that is fast losing its value. Christian love, however, has eternal value.

In describing the life that is real, the Apostle John uses three words repeatedly: love, life, and light. He explains that love, life, and light belong together.

Christian love is affected by light and darkness. A Christian who is walking in the light (which simply means he is obeying God) is going to love his brother Christian. Moreover, Christian love is a matter of life or death; to live in hatred is to live in spiritual death.

Finally, Christian love is a matter of truth or error because if we know God’s love toward us, we show God’s love toward others. So some things never change!

Verse for today: “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God” (1 John 4:7, NIV).

Also read: 1 John 2:7-11; 3:10-24; 4:8-21;James 2:8; Ephesians 5:1-2.

Action assignment: Life, love, and light must not be separated. Have you ever tried to separate them? For example, have you said you were walking in the light while at the same time you were detesting someone?

How does Christian love make a difference in your lifestyle? Think of two people who do not know that you are a Christian, and prayerfully consider what you can do today to show that you love them. Ask God to make His life, love, and light an integrated reality in your life day by day.

WARREN W. WIERSBE
www.backtothebible.in