Because of Love

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If a person says, "I love God", and hates their brother or sister, they are a liar; for a person that loves not their bother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen.
I John 4:20.

There is a song that I enjoy singing. It goes something like this (I don't know the author so I can't give you the citation and my apologies if I miss a word or two).

"How can I say that I love the Lord, whom I've never ever seen before, and forget to say that I love the one whom I walk with each and every day. How can I look upon your face and forget God's love, you I must embrace. You're my brother, you're my sister and I love you with the love of the Lord".

This song is so powerful when sung in a large group and we all sing to one another; my favorite way to sing the song.

I enjoy the song because it is a reminder that the true test of a Christian's heart is love. Because of the love shown to us by God, we are no longer under the curse of sin and death. Because of the love of God shown to us, while we were still sinners, we have access to a savior -- Jesus. Because of love; we are called to love. We are to love family, love friends, love the stranger, and even love our enemies. The true test of our love for God, is the love we show to God's creation.

Loving as God has loved us, may seem impossible at times (and I will be the first to admit that I have failed a love test or two); but it is possible. It has to be possible, because God would not ask us to do something that we could not do ... in those hard times, if we are willing to ask for it, God will give us the grace to love the "unlovable". Loving doesn't mean that we let people escape discipline or judgement ... and God will ensure that every debt is paid. Loving does mean that there is a genuine concern for the welfare of another person, that we want the best for them, and we will think the best of them. Love may not be easy ... but it is godly.