The Radiant Love That Transforms

Growing up, my brother and I had one burning desire: to own a vehicle. We worked tirelessly from a young age, pooling our resources to achieve this dream. Finally, the day arrived, and we had our very own truck.

To us, the truck was amazing with a shiny finish, loud radio, and big tires. It made us feel on top of the world.

Yet, as I reflect on this memory, I realize that the truck wasn’t actually shiny and new. It wasn’t that desirable at all. The true value of the truck was not in its physical attributes but in the love and effort we poured into obtaining it. This story beautifully illustrates the two types of love we encounter in life: a love that values what is already deemed valuable and a love that imparts value to what it cherishes.

The Essence of Divine Love

Understanding the love of God is a profound endeavor. It's not merely about the affection we express or receive in human relationships. God's love transcends human understanding; it is a divine attribute that exudes from His very being. When the scriptures declare, "God is love," they emphasize that love is not just an action or feeling from God but an essential part of His nature. This divine love is not a logical tautology, equating love with God, nor is it merely an emphasis on God's loving nature. Instead, it is a fountain from which all genuine love flows. Just as water from a fountain spreads and nourishes everything around it, so does God's love emanate from Him, reaching and transforming all it touches.

Manifestation of Divine Love

The supreme manifestation of God's love is found in the sending of His only Son, Jesus Christ, into the world. This love was not because we were worthy or valuable, but because God chose to love us. In our unworthiness and sin, God's active love was demonstrated through Christ's sacrificial death, making us valuable and restoring our relationship with Him. Unlike human love, which is often passive and reactive, God's love is proactive and transformative. It seeks out the undeserving and imparts worth and dignity to them. This divine love is a gift that changes lives, not based on our merit but on God's gracious choice.

Active Love in Action

God's love is not a passive feeling but an active force. It moves from the heart to the hands and feet, demonstrating love through action. Jesus' life and ministry exemplify this active love. He didn't merely feel compassion; He acted on it, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and comforting the broken-hearted. This kind of love challenges us to move beyond mere feelings and into tangible expressions of care and kindness. The story of the Good Samaritan illustrates this beautifully, contrasting the passive neglect of the priest and Levite with the active compassion of the Samaritan. True love, as modeled by Jesus, compels us to act, to reach out, and to make a difference in the lives of others.

The Power of Unconditional Love

John’s transformation from a brash "Son of Thunder" to the beloved disciple speaks volumes about the power of God's love. His story is a testament to the fact that God’s love can reshape even the most unlikely of individuals. This love, unlike human affection, doesn’t wait for us to become worthy; it makes us worthy. It’s a love that reaches out to us in our brokenness and transforms us from the inside out. If you’ve ever felt unworthy or questioned your value, understand this: God's love for you is unconditional. It isn’t based on your achievements, your looks, or your ability to maintain a perfect image. It’s rooted in His nature, a divine love that chooses to value and cherish you, flaws and all. God’s love is a gift that renews and restores. It’s not just a concept to understand but a reality to live out. Embrace it fully, let it redefine your sense of self-worth, and share it generously with those around you. In doing so, you become a living testament to the power of God’s unconditional love.

— Nic lombardi

President - [Multiply]Family of Churches

The Danger of False Teachings

Every day, we are constantly bombarded with information and advice from all directions. It's easy to fall prey to bad advice, but there's an even more dangerous threat lurking: false teachings. These aren't just misguided opinions—they are harmful deceptions designed to lead us astray. Understanding how to identify and resist these false teachings is crucial for maintaining a strong, authentic faith.

Recognizing False Teachers

False teachers are not a new phenomenon. Even in the early days of Christianity, they posed a significant threat to the church. These individuals spread teachings that directly contradicted the true gospel, leading many believers astray. The apostle John warned his followers to be vigilant: "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world" (1 John 4:1). In today's digital age, the voices of false teachers are amplified through social media and other platforms. It's essential to test everything we hear against the truth of Scripture. Not everyone who claims to be a Christian truly is, and not every message that sounds spiritual comes from God.

The Litmus Test of True Teaching

So, how do we discern true teaching from false? John provides a clear test: "By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God" (1 John 4:2-3). The core of Christian belief is the divinity of Jesus Christ. Any teaching that denies this fundamental truth is false. This distinction is crucial because it separates authentic Christianity from other belief systems that may acknowledge Jesus but do not accept His divine nature. For instance, groups like Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses have different views on Jesus that do not align with the biblical portrayal of Him as God incarnate.

The Power of the Holy Spirit

False teachings can be intimidating, but we are not left defenseless. John reminds us that "he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world" (1 John 4:4). As believers, we have the Holy Spirit within us, guiding us into all truth and helping us to overcome deception. This assurance gives us confidence. We don't rely on our own strength or wisdom to discern truth from falsehood; we depend on the Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit not only helps us recognize false teachings but also empowers us to live out our faith authentically.

Living in the Light of Truth

Knowing that false teachers are out there and understanding how to identify them is only the beginning. Our daily lives should reflect our commitment to the truth. This means spending regular time in prayer and studying Scripture, which helps us deepen our relationship with Jesus and fortify our understanding of His teachings. Additionally, being part of a community of believers provides support and accountability. We can learn from each other, share insights, and encourage one another to stay true to the gospel. Engaging with true teachers and avoiding those who promote false doctrines is vital for maintaining spiritual health. In a world full of deceptive voices, it’s essential to surround ourselves with those who speak the truth in love.

Anchoring Ourselves in Truth

In the end, resisting false teachings is about more than just intellectual discernment; it’s about fostering a vibrant, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. By anchoring ourselves in the truth of His word and relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can navigate the complexities of our world without being led astray. Let’s commit to knowing Jesus deeply and living out His truth boldly, confident that He who is in us is greater than any false teacher we might encounter.

— Louis Fischer

Church Planting Resident - [Multiply]Family of Churches