1 John 4-5 | Is There Anyone You Have A Hard Time Loving?

Love is the highest, most important thing to have in life. 1 Corinthians says it is "the greatest thing" ... even above faith, and hope. When Paul lists the first of the fruits of the Spirit, the first thing mentioned is love. When Christ was asked what was the greatest commandment, without hesitation He said it is to love God and your neighbor.

So, how do I get this kind of love? John tells us.

"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love. (1 John 4:7-8)

Look at this very logical progression regarding God's love to us and through us.

Truth #1: God is love.

John does not say that He has love; He IS love. Love is a word we use to describe this amazing, supreme quality of God that always responds in self-sacrifice, in giving to others.

Truth #2: Love is from God.

Therefore, if you want love, you must get it from God. He is the only source.

Truth #3: Everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.

If you have this kind of love, it is an indication that you have been birthed by God into His family and you know Him. And now, this love is in you because God is in you.

Truth #4: The one who does not love does not know God.

Following the preceding thought, the converse is true. If you do not have this quality of the love of God, it is a clear indication you do not know God.

Truth #5: Beloved, let us love one another.

If you know God and have His love, you need to let it flow through you to others. The very first “others” are in your own home, by the way.

If you are a true follower of Christ, when He entered your heart and His Spirit came to abide in you, all the love that He is, came to live in you! Therefore, you have all the love you need to love anyone. If you’re struggling to love someone, it is a surrender issue. You are not letting the Spirit of God control you for the fruit the Spirit produces is love (Galatians 5:22).

You need to surrender your body, your reputation, and your agenda to the Lord afresh. "Lord, you live in me. I give you the members of my body to love through me. Please flow through me like rivers of living water. And whatever your love tells me to do, that's what I'll do.

Lord, today, I ask You to flood my heart with Your love. Let it flow through me today. Let people see and feel the matchless, unselfish, overwhelming, gracious love of God for them through me. For Your sake, O Lord. Amen.