By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo
1 John 4:20-21 "If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister."
Apostle John’s main theme of his writings was love, for God and for others. God is love. Our relationship with Him and with others should therefore be defined by love.
It’s only love that proves whether we are truly in Him or not, whatever our other claims. Love is a command, not an option.
We see many today who claim to love God and hate people. It is true there are very difficult people to live with. God too sees His rebellious people, some of whom have expressed their hate, cursing Him and are serving Satan. They are enemies of God, but He still loves them! God’s love is unconditional and can only be practiced with the help of the Holy Spirit. In our human abilities, we cannot love everyone as God wants us to.
In practicing God’s love, we fulfill all His commandments. Let’s humbly submit to Him, and out of the working of the Holy Spirit in us, we shall bear love as a fruit. And we shall be able to love others as God loves them, despite all differences and weaknesses. Then shall we truly be children of God our Father.
Matthew 5:44-45 "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous."
Shalom children of God.