The Art of Neighbouringنموونە

 Loving People Is Equal to Loving God

1 John 4:8 states that “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love,” a simple although weighty verse, as we are challenged that the evidence of us loving God is based on our love and treatment of people. 

Let’s rephrase that and let it sink in—the way we act and feel towards people directly relates to how we love and know God.

As believers we cannot claim to love God but hate people. If God is love and love is a mark of God’s Kingdom, we need to be a people who love others. If we do not love people, we do not truly know God. 

Too often Christians feel that their relationship with Jesus is a private matter. It’s all about “me and Jesus.” As a result my relationship with Jesus does not need others and does not affect my relationship with them. However, nothing could be further from the truth. A true relationship with Jesus should impact our hearts to the extent that those around us are affected as a result. Jesus is the epitome of this. Jesus knew God (who is love). Therefore, Jesus loves.

Time and time again, throughout the Bible we see that Jesus did not simply feel love for us and leave it there. He felt love for humankind, got up and did something about the state we were in. He got up and gave His life for us on the Cross. He got up and dined with sinners.  He got enraged by injustices in the world and endeavored to bring about lasting change in people’s lives . He set the example, showing that loving God equates to loving people. 

Do your actions, words, feelings, and thoughts towards other people testify to your belief in God and relationship with Him, or do you feel there is a disconnect between your relationship with God and how you view and interact with the world around you?