Raising Kingdom Kids
Loving God’s Way – Part 2
Scripture Reading: 1 John 3:16-24
Key Verses: 1 John 3:18
Dear Children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions
Certainly we can see from today’s key verse that God’s love is a love that does something! It’s not a love that is all wrapped up in our feelings. Any love that has any importance is a love that is both verbalized and shown by actions. We can all imagine the scenario of a person telling another person how much they love them but never trying to do anything to help them and/or constantly hurting that person. Sometimes that love can be real in a person who has been hurt so badly in their upbringing that they have no clue how to express or show love. In this case, a person’s love for another might be real but they simply need counseling to help them express what they feel. I believe these situations are exceptions to the rule.
In my opinion most people simply don’t really get what real love is; they depend on feelings far too much. When we truly understand what real love is, it will motivate us to find ways of expressing it and showing it. For parents, this truth means that we work at expressing our feelings of love, as well as demonstrating our love by our actions. The key is to understand that true love always looks for ways to help that will truly help them and not just enable bad behavior. Real love must act in ways that make a person better in the long run. This truth is especially important for parents who are tempted to do far too much for their kids. Real love says no at times and works for their kid’s long-term maturity levels. For all believers, we are tempted to go the easy route and give people money, rather than help their situation for the long run.
Father, grant me wisdom to love with real love. I ask this in Jesus’ Name, amen.