February 1: God Is Love
1 John 4:7-8 (ESV)
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love”
Read The Full Devotional Below.
The Parable of the Flickering Light
Imagine a sprawling city during a bitter winter storm. Powerlines are down, streets are blanketed in darkness, and the freezing cold has driven people into their homes. Amidst the blackout, there’s a small, dilapidated house on the edge of town. Its roof leaks, its windows rattle in the wind, but inside, there’s a single oil lamp glowing on a wooden table.
The lamp doesn’t shine with the brilliance of a chandelier; it’s modest, flickering, yet steady enough to guide anyone who draws near. A family huddles around it—three children bundled in blankets and their mother, whose weathered hands pour soup into bowls. Despite their meager resources, the warmth of the lamp’s glow is matched by the love within the room.
As the night wears on, a knock echoes at the door. A stranger, shivering and covered in snow, pleads for shelter. The mother hesitates for a moment, glancing at the oil—there is barely enough to last the night. But then, with quiet resolve, she opens the door, invites the stranger in, and places the lamp between them. Somehow, as the oil burns lower, its light grows brighter, and the room becomes a sanctuary against the storm outside.
Why This Matters
The parable of the flickering light mirrors the truth of today’s Scripture: God’s love is the light that warms, protects, and transforms. But what does it mean that “God is love”? It’s not a sentimental hallmark phrase or a vague concept. This truth is as foundational to our faith as the beating heart is to life. When we love others—even when it costs us—we reflect the very essence of God. In a world filled with metaphorical storms, where coldness and darkness often prevail, God’s love, through us, becomes the light that draws others in.
The Depth of God’s Love
The apostle John wrote these words to a community struggling with division and doctrinal confusion. They needed to remember that love wasn’t just an attribute of God; it was His essence. The original Greek word for love here is “agapē”—a self-sacrificial, unconditional love that gives without expecting anything in return. This is the love God displayed when He sent His Son, Jesus, to bear the weight of our sins.
Notice the radical claim: anyone who does not love doesn’t truly know God. It’s not merely about belief or theological understanding; it’s about living out love. Love is the litmus test of our faith because it demonstrates God’s nature to the world. When we’re born of God, His love flows through us—like that flickering lamp—bringing light to even the darkest spaces.
Living the Light of Love
Here’s where this becomes real. Picture yourself as the mother in the parable. How many times have you hesitated to open your heart or home because your own oil felt too low? Maybe it’s the neighbor who’s always asking for favors but never seems to reciprocate. Perhaps it’s the coworker who drains your emotional energy. Or maybe it’s even your own child, who demands more patience than you think you can muster. The truth is, our natural inclination is to conserve our oil—our energy, time, and love—especially when it feels like there isn’t enough to go around.
But here’s the beautiful mystery: God’s love isn’t like human love. It doesn’t deplete; it multiplies. The more we pour out, the more He supplies. Just as the lamp in the parable grew brighter as the family shared its light, so God’s love shines through us when we love beyond our capacity. We stop operating out of scarcity and start living out of abundance—the abundance of His Spirit within us.
Becoming a Lamp in the Darkness
Reflect Daily on God’s Love: Start each morning by meditating on verses like 1 John 4:7-8 or Romans 5:8 (“God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us”). Let this truth sink into your heart before you engage with the world.
Identify Your “Strangers at the Door”: Who in your life needs to experience God’s love through you? Write down one or two names and commit to a specific act of kindness toward them this week—even if it’s as simple as a phone call or a prayer.
Practice Sacrificial Love: Look for opportunities to give beyond what feels comfortable. Maybe it’s volunteering your time, offering a listening ear, or sharing a resource you’d rather keep for yourself. Remember, it’s often in the small sacrifices that God’s love is most tangibly felt.
Pray for God’s Supply: When your oil feels low, turn to the source. Pray for God to fill you with His love so that you can pour it out freely. His Spirit is the fuel that keeps our lamps burning.
The Light That Changes Everything
Think back to the stranger in the parable. Imagine what it must have felt like to step into that warm room after wandering in the cold. That’s the impact of God’s love through us. It’s not about grand gestures or flawless perfection; it’s about letting His light shine, however small it may seem, to those who need it most.
And here’s the profound truth: When we love others, we’re not just imitating God—we’re revealing Him. We’re showing a world that’s lost in darkness what it means to be truly seen, valued, and cherished. That moment when you open your heart, even when it’s inconvenient, becomes a holy moment where heaven touches earth.
Let Love Be Your Light
As we step into February, let’s carry this truth with us: God is love. His love has no limits, no conditions, no expiration date. And as His children, we are called to reflect that love to everyone we meet. Just like the lamp in the parable, our light may flicker, but it will never go out when it’s fueled by His Spirit.
Let’s Close in a Prayer…
Father, thank You for Your unchanging love. Help us to reflect that love in our daily lives, even when it’s difficult. Fill us with Your Spirit so that our light may shine brightly, drawing others into Your warmth and grace. Teach us to love as You have loved us—sacrificially, abundantly, and without fear. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
An Invitation to go Deeper….
This week, take the FaithLabz 30-Day Prayer Challenge and invite God to deepen your understanding of His love. You can also explore Christian lifestyle resources to discover new ways to let His light shine through you.
