There
is a certain sequence of events that create safe and secure relationships. The
sequence starts with knowledge. We get to know someone as the first step.
Infants get to know their parents and siblings. In that intimate interchange
bonds are created that go beyond the simple smiles. The infant’s brain is wired
for safe and secure connections with themselves and with the outside world. They
come to believe that they are worthy of love and that in the outside world people
can be trusted to meet their needs. Or at least that is what is supposed to
happen in a family.
We
get to know people, and one of the first things we draw a preliminary conclusion
about is whether or not we can trust them. Do they keep their word? When they
say something, do they do it? Or do they say things and then just conveniently
not do what they promised. If they do keep their word, acting in a trustworthy
manner, then we might begin to rely on them.
So
what happens if we get to know someone and find out that they don’t keep their
word? Do we go ahead and rely on them anyway? Do we ask them to take our ATM
card down to the bank and get $20? Do we arrange with them to pick us up from
the airport? If we know they aren’t to be trusted, then we shouldn’t rely on
them. We don’t want to be gullible, do we? This is what scam artists do. They
seem trustworthy just long enough to get your money.
Our
text tells us that we can know and rely on God’s love for us. His love is
proven. It is something we can bank on. It is something we can experience for
ourselves. John, the author of the words of our text, knew God’s love
firsthand. He had seen Jesus demonstrate that love in a thousand acts of
kindness. He had seen the self-sacrificing love demonstrated on the Cross. He
had witnessed the resurrected Jesus walking among them. He had seen this love
create a community of ardent believers even in the face of intense persecution.
This love was real.
Love
is the mark of a Jesus-follower. Without love, there is no Jesus. So how would
people perceive you if they read your posts on Facebook? Would they see the
love of Jesus flowing through? Or would they see just one more person spouting
hatred? Actions and words must match.
Now,
I am not saying that I have this perfected. Far from it! I have glaring
inconsistencies. I don’t always see them, but other do and at times point them
out to me. I must be responsible to respond to those insights with a submissive
and loving heart. I must hear their voice as His voice. I must allow their
comments to be a mirror into how others see me. I am responsible to love in the
same fashion as Jesus did. He gave it all, and I must do the same.