Our Scripture reading today is 1 John 3:16-18.
Verse 16, "Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren."
The love of God for fallen man can clearly be seen at the cross. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, suffering in agony and eventually dying for the sins of all mankind. Romans 5:8, "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." The Lord Jesus gave His life that we might be forgiven, live in victory, and have eternal life. We know the love of God through His Word and His deeds.
Our love for God should grow from saying we love Him to living our lives in such a way that it backs up what we are saying. My love for others will flow out of my love for God. It will be heard, but it will also be felt. There will be times when we can demonstrate our love for others by giving of our time and resources. True love always is willing to give. "And if we take the analogy from Jesus’ love for us, sometimes the cost of love will make us feel like we are dying – but that is what it means to lay down your life. “Love means saying ‘No’ to one’s own life so that somebody else may live.” (Marshall)
Love the Lord thy God and thy neighbour!