1 John 4:20 says, “If someone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?”

In a world full of violence and offence, we are commanded to love just as our Saviour loves. As Christians, our expression of love shows our faith and proves our faith. If you love God as you claim, then you must love your neighbour. Man, if he truly loves God, must show concern to the just treatment of his neighbours. This means that faith brings man to God and love brings Him to man. That is, faith brings us to God but love keeps us in God.

The people of God are to be known for their solicitude for those whose social and economic status exposes them to exploitation and oppression. Our gifts should be used as an act of worship to God through giving to others. Love shows that we are born of God and that we know Him. Our love for God is shown by our obedience to His commands. He has commanded us to love our neighbours as we love ourselves and to do good to those who hurt and persecute us. Remember that the love the Bible speaks of is not that we wait to be loved but that we choose to love first. In a world full of darkness, let us be that channel of love where hatred, unforgiveness and offence abound.

PRAYER: O Holy Spirit, make me a channel of love where there is hatred, in Jesus’ name! Amen!