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Greeting card companies have made millions of dollars by selling us cards already filled with sentiments crafted by a master writer. Holidays like Christmas, Valentine's Day and Mother's Day bring us out in droves gobbling up cards to send to family and friends - all in an effort to express our love and affection. But John tells us not to love with words or tongue, but with actions and truth. In fact he goes on to tell us what love is.

With the statement This is how we know what love is, John points out two very important things for us to remember. First, Jesus voluntarily giving his life is both an example for us to emulate and a revelation of the extent of God's love. As an example, Jesus shows us that true love is concrete and active. It's not just felt or thought, but it is an action to be lived out. As a revelation of God's love, Jesus shows us that God was active in sending Him so that we might know God, have life and live within the circle of love.

There are at least four features of Jesus' self-giving love we should seek to implement if we truly desire sacrificial love in our relationships. Jesus voluntarily chose to lay down his life. He had a choice, and He could have chosen differently - but didn't. Second, the results of his death are life-giving for others. Third, true love is always accompanied by truth and never by deception or lies. It lives fully in the light, and does not have to hide its actions. Fourth, we are to give out of our abundance, from what we have, to those who have not. Jesus gave the life He had from the Father to be our life: He gave from His strength to our weakness. Self-giving love gives out of what we are and have to the weakness or lack of others.

John encourages us through an implicit promise that believers can know we belong to truth. It is our love for one that another gives us the assurance that we belong to the truth, because love is a visible manifestation that we know the God who is truth and love. And because we know that we are of the truth, we can set our hearts at rest in His presence.

I am a lover of the written word. I love to write letters and emails - especially to encourage my friends and family.

As I've read these passages, I've been challenged. Beyond just my words, what kinds of actions can I put behind the love I feel for my family and friends?

I think I have a few ideas. As I've spent the last couple of months planning my upcoming wedding, I've seen love in action. One of the most amazing examples I can think of comes from a dear friend I used to work with. She has an amazing talent for organization and creativity and offered to help with the wedding. I have been overwhelmed by her love and generosity. She has gone above and beyond the call of just helping. She's taken action and put so much effort into planning this event that I'm not sure I'll ever be able to thank her or repay her for her kindness. I think that's what love is. It's giving beyond what you might think are your limits - all the while knowing it can never be repaid. It's giving sacrificially. The same is true of several other friends who have shown me what love looks like... through helping with decorations, making my wedding cake, making flowers and bows, handling the catering... I could go on and on... all that to say, I think I know what love looks like. I'm looking it right in the eye when each of these special people greet me and it makes me very aware of how I too can show love with my actions.

So, what does love look like in your life? Are you simply a greeting card sender or do you put something of substance behind your words?

I challenge you to give some thought as to how you can express your love with more than just words.

"Today's Little Lift" from Jim Bullington

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