In order to taste the love of God, we must be part of God’s nature. God’s nature is holiness and unconditional love. 1 John 3: 16 says we know love by this, that he (Christ) laid down his life for us—and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. John continued in 1 John 4: 7 beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. So, how can we taste God’s love?
We must express love to one another
We express our love to God sometimes through the love we show towards others. 1 John 4: 12 says no one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us. We read from 1 John 4: 20 those who say, “I love God,” and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen.
We must outdo one another in love
We must follow Jesus’ commandment of love. Jesus said in John 13: 34 I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. (Read also John 15: 12, 17.) Paul also wrote in Romans 12: 10 love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honour. We are encouraged to compete only in love for the sake of Christ Jesus.
Always be indebted to one another in love
Paul continued in Romans 13: 8 owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. Paul wrote in Galatians 5: 13… through love become slaves to one another. In other words we are called to be slaves to love to which we must always be indebted. (read also 1Thessalonians 3: 12; 4: 9; Hebrews 10: 24). We must never be satisfied with the love we have for one another but to desire to do more.
Always show pure love
Because God’s love is pure, our love for one another must also be genuine, hence Peter wrote in 1 Peter 1: 22… love one another deeply from the heart. Love sometimes overcomes sin as is written in 1 Peter 4: 8 above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins. John wrote in 1 John 3: 14 whoever does not love abides in death. So how can we show love to one another?
Look up to Jesus and emulate him
We must emulate Jesus’ examples. Jesus said in Matthew 11: 29, take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Jesus’ statement suggests unconditional love in meekness or humility of heart. This is the yoke of Christ Jesus which he wants us to take upon ourselves.
He also said in Luke 3: 11; 10: 37 he who has two coats, let him share with him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise. This is better explained in Matthew 19: 19; 22: 39; Mark 12: 31; Luke 10: 27 you shall love your neighbour as yourself. Whatever we wish for ourselves, we must wish for others. In effect, Jesus wants us to find out the needs of others and assist to his glory and honour.
Seek and maintain righteousness
David wrote in Psalms 66:18 if I cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. Righteousness grants us unfettered access to God’s love by grace through faith. So Jesus said in Matthew 6: 33 but strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
We strive for the kingdom of God through righteousness. Jesus said in Matthew 3: 8 bear fruit worthy of repentance. So we are cautioned in Ezekiel 18: 20, the person who sins shall die. Paul echoed this in Romans 6: 23 for the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Sin in our hearts inhibits the free flow of God’s pure love towards us. In order to share and possess God’s love, we must perfect our love for God and for one another.
Wait patiently on his Holy Spirit
To wait on God means to allow God to direct our affairs. In doing so, we honour God and he will not restrain his love from us. Zephaniah 3: 8 says therefore wait for me, says the LORD, for the day when I arise as a witness. God is a credible witness to all our needs and he wants us to wait for his intervention.
Jeremiah 16: 17 says for my eyes are on all their ways; they are not hidden from my presence, nor is their iniquity concealed from my sight. In waiting on the Holy Spirit, we concede that we lack God’s love through Christ Jesus. We read from Jeremiah 10: 23 I know, O LORD, that the way of human beings is not in their control, that mortals as they walk cannot direct their steps.
We need patience in order to experience the love of God who works in his own times and seasons. 2 Peter 3: 9 says the Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance. God delays in order to show his love
We must know God’s nature of love
Paul wrote in Philippians 4: 19 and my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. God’s love encapsulates all we need to glorify him through Christ Jesus. Lamentations 3: 22 says the steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. God’s love is unfailing and timeless. It gives peace, joy, mercy, grace, goodness of life, rest to the soul body and spirit, rest from anxiety, etc.
God’s love is expressed through Christ Jesus. God said in Matthew 17:5 this is my beloved son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him (Jesus). John 3: 16 says, for God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. We need a personal relationship with Jesus as a precondition to sustain God’s unconditional love.
Jesus said in Matthew 10: 40… whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. God’s love starts with our welcoming Jesus into our hearts. 1 John 1: 8 says… If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. God’s love restores divine peace and grace in Christ Jesus. Do we need God’s love? Jesus is coming soon. Are we ready?
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, we are grateful for teaching us how to experience your love. Please help us to open our hearts to receive you and to do your will as you have commanded. We ask this in your holy name, Amen!!
