Ep 233 – 1 John 5:1-5 PT 2

This is the second episode on 1 John, chapter five, verses 1-5 and it's entitled, "Do We Really Love?". Sometimes we can think we're loving another individual, while, in fact, we are simply going through the motions. Externally, it may appear as if we are loving, but in reality, our actions are lacking in compassion and love. We look like we're doing the right thing, but our hearts are not in it. And without love, Paul would say our best actions on our best day, backed by our best intentions, are nothing to brag about. We tend to see love as a list of actions to be taken or commands to be followed. But if our heart isn't in it, our efforts become little more than legalism, or an attempt to win favor with God. I can give money to the poor, but if I don't love them while I am doing it, my actions are hollow and empty. And when I love others the way God has loved me, I am actually showing love to Him. And to be able to love others even when I see their flaws and failings, is to love as I have been loved.