SEARCHLIGHT
Is God’s love changing you?
SCRIPTURE
Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 4:8 NIV
And so, we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love, lives in God, and God in them. 1 John 4:16 NIV
SPOTLIGHT
In 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson announced that the United States was entering the Vietnam War. It had begun in 1955 and would not be over until 1975. The USA ended its involvement in 1973. During this time, there was much disagreement, division, and even conflict over the war in the United States. It was also in 1965 when the song “What The World Needs Now Is Love Sweet Love” was introduced. It gained quick popularity due to the embroiled times.
Is “Love Sweet Love” what the world needs? Times certainly have not changed very much from the 1960’s. Disagreement, division, and conflict are common characteristics of today’s world. In essence, the song makes the following points: #1 Love is the great need of the world. #2 Very little love is seen. #3 Love needs to be expressed by everyone not just a few. Interestingly, the 2 verses of the song are prayers asking God not to make another mountain, ocean, river, meadow, corn field, wheat field, sunbeam or moonbeam. God is asked to give love to the world.
If the Apostle John heard this song, he would yell “STOP! GOD IS LOVE!.” Two times John writes this in his epistle. He also says God has lavished His love on the world. [1 John 3:1] He gave His Son to die for everyone’s sin. [1 John 3:16] The issue is not asking God to give love to the world but for the world to love God. God loves people! People need to love God to make the world a better place.
C.S. Lewis wrote about 4 types of love in his book entitled “The Four Loves.” In the Greek language, STORGE describes an empathy type love. According to Lewis, affection best describes it. It is expressed among family members. Parents love their children not because they are coerced but because they naturally want to care for, encourage, and support them. People need and want STORGE love. Just like a baby needs food, a diaper change, or attention, people need a love that gives encouragement and meets tangible needs.
In the Greek language, PHILIA describes a friendship type of love. This Greek word is the basis for naming Philadelphia the city of brotherly love. Friendship best describes it, according to Lewis. People who share common values, interests, or activities, express this type of love. This is a chosen love. You choose your friends. You do not express this love if you do not desire to show it. When you have “philia” you experience friendship and companionship that is freely given. It is reciprocal. Both people give-and-take.
In the Greek language, EROS describes romantic love. It refers to sensual or passionate love. It is from the word EROS that we get the word “erotic.” Romance best describes it.
In the Greek language, AGAPE describes God’s unconditional love. Throughout John’s Epistle, he uses the word AGAPE many times. Remember, John said, “God is AGAPE/love.” This love exists, regardless of how someone feels, or even if circumstances change. The words “unconditional” and “unending” are words that best describe this love. It is the greatest of the four types of love. The other three types need to be governed by AGAPE. It is always giving. [John 3:16; Romans 12:9] God’s love does not pretend. In 1 Corinthians 13, AGAPE is used to create life like pictures of how to love. This love gives but does not look for anything in return. This love keeps on giving even when gratitude is not expressed. It is merciful, forgiving, and endless. This is why John says, “God is love.” It totally describes who God is.
The world would be a better place, for you and for me, and for everyone if people loved God. God is love. God loves people. God loves you! People learn how to love when they love God. WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS NOW IS GOD’S LOVE. When you love God, you will love people!
SOMETHING TO DO
The Apostle John repeatedly spoke about AGAPE. For further insight, check out 1 John 3:1,16 and 1 John 4:7,8,10,16,19. John regularly used AGAPE in his Gospel. Look up John 3:16; 13:34,35; 14:15; 15:13 and 21:15-17.
SOUL TIME PRAYER
Loving God, thank You for loving me unconditionally and endlessly. Empower me with Your divine AGAPE love. May my STORGE, PHILIA, AND EROS loves be directed by Your AGAPE love within me. AMEN!