1 John 3:17-18 If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister[a] in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person? Little children, let us not love [merely] in theory or in speech but in deed and in truth (in practice and in sincerity).
Love is a word commonly used. People talk about falling in love. Sometimes the same people that look so loved up, in a few years time are at each other's throat. Where did all the love go?
Our actions expose the existence or non-existence of love in our hearts. Love has kind and gentle characteristics. Love is described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 as patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way.
It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
We must weigh our actions against the litmus test of love. Where there is love there is sharing and kindness. There is forgiveness and hope. Jealousy flees from where love resides. Pride and revenge do not exist in love.
Where there is love there is no unhealthy competition. It is not about who wins or who loses. Love simply rejoices when truth triumphs. It is not vindictive.
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