“God is love” is perhaps the most luminous definition of God found in Scripture. It appears only twice and is found in this text which is a letter or perhaps an exhortation that echoes the message of the Fourth Gospel. The author is, in fact, a disciple who bears witness to the spiritual tradition of the apostle John. He is writing to a first-century Christian community that, unfortunately, is already facing a very difficult trial, namely discord and division both in terms of faith and of witness.

God is love: in himself, he lives the fullness of communion as Trinity, and this love overflows onto his creatures. To those who accept him, he gives the power to become his children,[1] with his own DNA, capable of loving. His love is gratuitous and frees us from all fear and timidity.[2]

In order for the promise of reciprocal communion – we in God and God in us – to be fulfilled, it is essential to “remain” in this same active, dynamic, and creative love. This is why Jesus’ disciples were called to love one another, to give their lives, and to share their goods with anyone in need. With this love, the community remained united, prophetic, and faithful.

“God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them.”

This is a strong and clear proclamation for us too. Nowadays, we sometimes feel overwhelmed by unpredictable events that are difficult to control, such as the pandemic or other personal or collective tragedies. We may feel lost, frightened, and be tempted to close in on ourselves, to build walls to protect ourselves from those who seem to threaten our security, rather than build bridges to meet each other.

Is it possible to continue to believe in God’s love in these circumstances? Is it possible to continue to love?

Josiane from Lebanon was far from her country when she heard about the terrible explosion at the port of Beirut in August 2020. She confided to those who, like her, live the Word of Life: “I felt pain, anger, anguish, sadness, and bewilderment in my heart. I kept asking if all that Lebanon had been through already was not enough. I thought of the neighborhood where I was born and grew up now razed to the ground; the relatives and friends who had died, were injured or displaced; the buildings, schools, and hospitals that I know very well, all destroyed.

“I tried to stay close to my mother and brothers and to answer the many messages from so many other people. I wanted to support them with affection, prayer, and by listening to everyone as they spoke of the suffering that had opened up. I wanted to believe – and I DO BELIEVE – that these encounters with those who suffer are a call to respond with the love that God has placed in our hearts. Despite the tears, I discovered a light in the actions of many Lebanese people: it was often the younger generation who rose up, looked around, and brought help to those in need. I felt a great sense of hope that there are young people who are willing to seriously engage in politics because they are convinced that the solution lies in the path of true dialogue, of harmony, and of discovering that we are brothers and sisters.”

“God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them.”

Focolare founder Chiara Lubich offers us a valuable suggestion to help us live this word of Scripture: “We can no longer separate the cross from glory; we cannot separate Christ on the cross from the Risen Lord. They are two aspects of the same mystery of God who is Love.[3] Having offered our suffering to God, let’s try not to think about it anymore; instead, let’s do what he wants of us wherever we are. Let’s try to love the people around us. If we do this, the effect will be surprising and more than we could hope for: our soul will be filled with peace, love, and even pure joy and light… And, enriched by this experience, we will be able to help all our brothers and sisters more effectively to find happiness amidst their tears and to transform all that is troubling them into serenity. In this way, we will become instruments of joy for many people, instruments of that happiness for which every human heart yearns.”[4]

Letizia Magri

[1] Cf. Jn 1:12, 1 Jn 3:1

[2] Cf. 1 Jn 4:18

[3] Cf. 1 Jn 4:1

[4] C. Lubich, Word of Life, January 1984