The Apostle John says that God’s love is never comfortable (abiding) shut up in our hearts (1 John 3:17). What God’s love always wants to do is mature (have its end) by overflowing into love for others (1 John 4:11-16).

It seems there are two benefits of not suppressing His love within us.

First, our love for one another provides seeable proof of the unseeable God we serve (11-12). This is an amazing and wonderful possibility for any follower of Jesus. No one has seen God at any time, but when we love one another with His love, people see His presence on earth! This is exactly what Jesus predicted in John 13:34: They will know you are my disciples by your love.

Second, as others are seeing God’s presence in our love for one another, the Spirit is confirming His pleasure with the sure understanding that God is abiding in us (13-16).

The Priority of God’s Heart

Picture your church on a Sunday morning and all the “things” and “stuff” we focus on to attract others to Christ and prove to doubters that God exists: facilities, music, preaching, programs, bulletins, friendliness….

God’s heart is crying out for a different priority—love one another!

“Love one another,” John says, “and everyone watching will know that God is real. It is the only way they will ever “see” Christ here on earth until He shows up.”

That’s my prayer for you, for me, and for the precious Bride of Christ.

If you agree, you may want to tell your Father right now:

Father, please mature your love in me so that my life, my family, my church provides the most convincing evidence possible to a watching world that you are—my love for other Christians. Help me, please, to love others with the love you have loved me.