Do you remember learning about plants in elementary school? One of our class projects involved leaving a stalk of celery in a vase of colored water. As the celery soaked up water, we were able to see the color run up the stalk and into the leaves. 

1 John 4:10 tells us that we are not changed because of ourselves, but because God has first loved us. Just as dyed water makes a plant change color, God’s love transforms us to be more like Himself.

God’s demonstration of love is present in every day grace, but His ultimate sacrifice of His Son’s life for our souls showed His willingness to love to the extreme. John says we also must love others in this sacrificial way; if we do not, then we have not experienced God’s love.

Sometimes we avoid showing love because we are afraid of the outcome. Will the person shy away? What if our classmates ridicule us? While fear may tempt us, we need to remember that God extended mercy to us as sinners, regardless of our response.  

Our Lord has called us to love others in the same manner He has loved us—with service and sacrifice. Let us soak up His transforming love and display His splendor in our actions and attitudes today.  

Real Choices
What were you like before God changed your life?  Tell an unbeliever about your life-changing experience and about Christ’s love for them. 

Digging Deeper
Read Ephesians 2:1-10. Is there any reason why God should love sinful man based on verses 1-3? Note man’s condition after Christ changes him. How does this affect your understanding of how much God loves us and how we should demonstrate love to others?

Pray
Father, please forgive me for taking Your love for granted. Help me to love others more than myself.