Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone
who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not
know God, for God is love. 1 John 4:7-8
A principle is a law that governs the behaviour of something. For
example, in nature, gravity is a law. So we say that whatever goes up
must come down. This is the principle that governs life on earth. In the
same way, love is a principle that governs the conduct of the Christian
in this world. Let's take our cue from God. In God we find the best
illustration of the principle of love. First, He is love, then He shows
love. Love is His principal character and the consequence of this
character is that He shows love.
We see two things in the love principle, 1. Being. 2. Showing. Being
love, God cannot but show love. Showing love becomes to God like what
being in water is to fish. Another way to understand this love principle
is to look at fire. It is natural for fire to produce heat and it will
be strange to have fire and not have heat. The Christian receives his
nature from God and love is one aspect of this nature that he gets from
God. It is inconceivable therefore to be a Christian and not show love,
just as it is inconceivable for fire not to produce heat. The bible is
categorical that he that does not love does not know God. This is a
pretty strong statement that should be taken seriously by everyone who
says that he is in Christ.
The practicality of the love principle: In 1 John 4:9, we saw the manifestation of the love of God, now we are commanded to do the same in 1 John 4:11. God is not just love, He shows love. And this, He showed in a very practical way: He gave His only begotten Son to die so that our sin to be forgiven. He left us an example to follow. The character of divine love is selfless and practical. The Christian is given this same love. Romans 5:5. If the character of divine love is selfless and practical, and if this is the love that the Christian has, then his love must be selfless and practical too. 1 John 3:14-18.
The practicality of the love principle: In 1 John 4:9, we saw the manifestation of the love of God, now we are commanded to do the same in 1 John 4:11. God is not just love, He shows love. And this, He showed in a very practical way: He gave His only begotten Son to die so that our sin to be forgiven. He left us an example to follow. The character of divine love is selfless and practical. The Christian is given this same love. Romans 5:5. If the character of divine love is selfless and practical, and if this is the love that the Christian has, then his love must be selfless and practical too. 1 John 3:14-18.
Toni
