1 John 4:10
In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

Application:

John’s verses provide a clear definition of love in the Bible. 

First, Love is visible: God’s love was revealed. Invisible love is not love. 

Second, Love is an act of the will: God sent his Son (4:9). To love someone requires a decision to act on his behalf.

Third, love is sacrificial. It cost God his one and only Son. He didn’t throw you his leftovers; he provided his best. Why? So that we might live through him (4:9). He saw our most profound need and gave of himself. If you profess love without embracing inconvenience and being willing to give up your rights, you don’t understand God’s love.

Fourth, love serves the unlovable. It’s not that we loved God, but that he loved us. We hated him. We were fools, rebelling against the King of the universe. Nevertheless, he set his love on us. You’re going to love people who won’t respond in kind. But they need your love nonetheless.

Fifth, love addresses sin. God sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins (4:10; see 2:2). You can’t ignore sin in the body of Christ. Only Jesus can atone for our sin. But we must, with humility and love, help those caught in it.

Jesus Christ welcomes you to come to Him as you are; however, He will transform you into a new creation that is evident to all—a new creation that will love what He loves and hate sin.  

Ref: Tony Evans, The Tony Evans Bible Commentary (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2019), 1377.

To God, be the glory!

Our Lord Jesus Christ created everything! By Him, For Him!

“The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-25

Disclaimer

When God inspires me, I write blogs. Consider this writing as a Bible study. Like the Bereans In Acts 17:11, search the Scriptures to determine whether what I write is so. Always consult with your church ministers about biblical matters. I am also not a professional writer, so some grammar or spelling errors may be. I try my best to write as efficiently as possible. Your brother, In-Christ, Ricardo

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Check out my book “Battle Strategy: God’s Plan Amid Chaos.” It’s packed with helpful insights into Bible study and understanding. You can get a free digital version on my website. Fifty percent of the proceeds from this book go to helping children. The book covers the main biblical points and salvation, so you’ll find something valuable. 

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