The measure of love

He who loves God must love his brother also. – 1 John 4:21

While visiting a Christian’s home, I saw these words displayed on a wall plaque: "You love Jesus only as much as you love the person you love the least." I squirmed at those revealing words. Later I found similar words in 1 John 4:20, "He who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?"

After that I often caught myself criticizing others while overlooking my own glaring faults. If I loved Jesus only as much as I loved the people I criticized, then I loved Jesus very little. This grieved and frustrated me, as I seemed unable to love Jesus and others as I should.

In 1 John 4:10, we learn that the key to knowing love isn’t found in our love for God, but rather in His love for us. He showed the depth of His love in Jesus’ sacrificial death for our sins. That’s our example. "If God so loved us, we also ought to love one another" (v. 11).

Now when I fail to love others, I seek God’s forgiveness. I asked Him to help me show to others the kind of love He showed to me.

Do you long to love Jesus more? Start with loving the people around you. Remember, love for Jesus and love for others always go together. – Joanie E. Yoder

Unfailing is God’s matchless love,

So kind, so pure, so true;

And those who draw upon that love

Show Christ in all they do. – Dennis De Haan

READ: 1 John 4:7-21