Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love.
1 Jn 4:7-8
I was led to this passage where St. John explains how true godly love in a person’s life is a sign of being ‘ born again’. Those who truly love God, will act on that love towards others. We are reminded that true love involves acting, not just feeling.
We are called to ‘agape love‘ through Jesus example.
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Eph 5:1-2
Love cannot remain by itself – it has no meaning. Love has to be put into action, and that action is service.
St Teresa of Calcutta
It is only by loving God & putting Him in the centre of our lives will we be able to show genuine love to others. Our foundation is built upon God’s love for us. We love because He first loved us. Before we can give this love, we need to receive it for ourselves. You can’t give what you don’t have.
As a nurse, wife and mother, I was going through a lot during the COVID-19 pandemic. There was a lot of uncertainty and fear but despite the storm and battle I was going through I redirected my focus to God through prayer & the word of God. I was at first very self centered & was only thinking of myself but somehow God opened my eyes & heart. Even though the situation is the same but I felt so alive & confident walking in faith & I experience His love in a very intimate way. God started directing me to reach out to people around through various ways. I felt so much joy & love as He used me for His glory.
I encourage each one of you to act in love today. Reach out to someone. Use words to build them up. Speak words of encouragement to someone who is down, show compassion, kindness, put humility into practice. Forgive the people that have hurt you. Forgiveness is not always easy, it is one of the most unselfish acts of love. God is calling His people to be a blessing and to give hope & love to those around us.
It is my prayer today that you will allow God to open the eyes of your heart so that you can be God’s witness & instrument in this world.
‘Open The Eyes Of My Heart‘ is a very beautiful song that reflect what St Paul was trying to get across to the people of Ephesus in Eph 1:18. His prayer was that God would enlighten or open the eyes of their heart so that they could see the hope they have in God’s inheritance & His power. Our heart needs to be enlightened so that we can allow God to work through us. God loves us so much & He has great plans for our life if only we would allow Him to come in.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father I want to thank you for loving me and pouring your blessings on me each day. I ask you Lord to open my heart so that You can use me. Lord give me the strength to live by your commandment of love. May I not close my heart to those who are in need. May the people I meet in this path become opportunities for me to live the teaching of Christ. May I do everything in love and in obedience to God’s will. I ask all this in Jesus name.
Amen