In a world filled with love songs, romantic movies, and countless declarations of affection, it can sometimes be difficult to discern what true love really is. The apostle John provides a powerful test for love.
but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.
1 John 4:3
True Love
According to John, everyone who is born of God recognizes him, and everyone who loves God recognizes the one who was born of God.
This verse implies that true love is a distinguishing characteristic of those who are born of God.
So, how can we use this verse to test the authenticity of love? Here are a few key points to consider:
- Love for God: Those who are born of God have a deep and abiding love for God. This love is not merely an emotion; it is a commitment to following God’s ways and seeking to do His will.
- Love for Others: True love extends beyond our own personal desires and interests. It includes a genuine concern for the well-being of others, especially those who are marginalized or in need.
- Love that Does Not Sin: The Bible tells us that love does not sin (1 John 3:15). Those who truly love God and others will seek to live a life that is free from sin.
Contrast with Counterfeit Love
In contrast to true love, counterfeit love is characterized by selfishness, jealousy, and a lack of concern for others. It may appear loving on the surface, but it ultimately leads to harm and destruction.
The world is full of counterfeit love, and it can be tempting to be deceived by it. But by applying the test of love found in 1 John 4:3, we can discern between true and false love.
Fruit of the Spirit
Another helpful way to recognize true love is to look for the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruit of the Spirit as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
These qualities are all hallmarks of genuine love.
Take a moment to examine your own life; are you exhibiting these qualities? Do you have love for God and love for others? If not; perhaps it is time for you to talk to Jesus about these things; and work it out; after all, lack of these qualities in your life indicates that you may not be the Christian person you thought you were!
Upside Down: 15 Week Bible Study
You Have Been Seated with Christ in the Heavenly Realms
God’s great hope for us is not simply the forgiveness of sins and a place in heaven when we die; but rather, He wants us totally restored, in heart, mind and soul . . . NOW!
As we enter into this amazing adventure with God, we soon recognize that we are a part of something tremendous, something that is beyond our earthy perspective, and we are transported into the heavens with Christ; we live, breathe, and find our being in Him!
This Bible study will help you rediscover how it all began, what happened in the Garden of Eden, who is the Devil really, and what is he up to today.
- Head into the heavenly realms and discover profound truths concerning your relationship with God, and His incredible plan for you.
- Search your heart, preparing for a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit. In this study, you will enter into God’s armory, suiting up with the whole armor of God.
- Discover the Keys to the Kingdom given to you, and learn what they unlock; discovering your true nature in Christ, the authority given, the Sword of the Spirit, the covering armor, and the mission ahead, you will truly learn to pray . . . Upside Down!