In January our church held its annual congregational fast. For 21 days we prayed together, fasted together and meditated on 1 John . Here are my thoughts from those times of devotion in 1 John.
For vthis is the message that you have heard from the beginning, wthat weshould love one another. 12 We should not be like xCain, who was of the evil oneand murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? yBecause his own deedswere evil and his brother’s righteous. 13 Do not be surprised, brothers,3 zthat theworld hates you. 14 We know that awe have passed out of death into life, becausewe love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death. 15 bEveryone whohates his brother is a murderer, and you know that cno murderer has eternal lifeabiding in him.16 By this we know love, that dhe laid down his life for us, and ewe ought to laydown our lives for the brothers. 17 But fif anyone has the world’s goods and seeshis brother in need, yet gcloses his heart against him, hhow does God’s love abidein him? 18 Little children, let us not ilove in word or talk but in deed and jin truth I John 3:11-18
MEDITATIONAL THOUGHT:Love is not just words, but actions in truth; share your resources with those in need.
Love is not a feeling. It is a decision, an action and a way of life. It is based in the reality that our purpose is to bless God and others and out of that place of service we ourselves become most blessed and fulfilled. It requires us to become generous with who we are in regards to the world. Love is not love until it is giving away something of yourself without the assurance of a return on investment.
Lillie-Put 
This was beautiful and deeply convicting. I really needed this reminder that real love is shown in what we do, not only what we say.