From the creation record in Genesis to the letters of John near the end of the Bible, is there, perhaps a connection that has escaped our notice?  John, the apostle whom Jesus loved, speaks a great deal about love, to include the source when he wrote in 1 John 4:8 that ‘God is love.’  When we reflect on the creation we cannot help but remember that man was the only living creature created in the image of God, or had life breathed into it.  These observations beg the question; does our makeup include any of the love that is God?

The love of God has manifested itself in many ways.  John 3:16 declares the love of God in the giving of His Son and Romans 5:8 does the same by reminding us that Jesus died for us while we were yet sinners.  Not only do we see the love of God in His actions, it is also dictated in His teachings.  Matthew 5:44-45 has our Lord instructing us to love our enemies, pray for those who persecute us.  This type of love is fundamental to being sons of our Father who is in heaven.  Again, in Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus gave an answer to the question, “which is the greatest command.’  The theme of His answer consisted of love for God and for our neighbor. 

What is the mark of a Christian?  What is it that makes them stand out in a crowd?  According to Jesus Christ there is a means by which all men will know those who are His disciples.  Those who love one another are apparent to outsiders, but those who love one another as Christ has loved them are more readily identifiable and also meet a new commandment given by Jesus. (John 13:34-35)

God is looking for love in created man!  Paul’s encouragement to the Corinthians was to imitate him as he imitated Christ.  That imitation includes the love Christ had, and has, for us.  Can you do this? You can if you believe the word of God when it tells us in 1 John 4:7, ‘Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.”  What God requires of us, He gives us, first His Son, and then His love.  To this we can all say, Amen!!

Copyright © 2009, Nolan P. Rutter