Transforming Worship: Seeing God as a Verb in Your Journey of Love and Freedom
The idea that God is love is powerful and transformative. The verse 1 John 4:8 says, "He who doesn't love doesn't know God because God is LOVE." This statement shifts how we understand God—not as a distant noun to worship but as a living, active force to embody. When God becomes a verb, love becomes something we do, not just something we admire or believe in. This change in perspective can open the door to a deeper, more authentic spiritual journey rooted in love and freedom.
Understanding God as Love in Action
Many people grow up learning about God as a figure to worship, a noun representing a being or entity. This view often leads to a passive relationship with spirituality—one where love is something to receive or admire rather than practice. But the truth in 1 John 4:8 invites us to see God as love itself, which means love is an active force.
Love is not just a feeling or a concept; it is a verb. It is something we do every day through our actions, choices, and words. When we start to see God as a verb, we begin to live love actively. This means showing kindness, practicing forgiveness, standing for freedom, and speaking truth with compassion.
Preaching Truth Rooted in Love and Freedom
From a young age, many are taught to "preach the truth," often understood as proclaiming biblical principles or God's Word. While this has value, it can sometimes create a rigid or judgmental approach to spirituality. The truth is not confined to ancient texts alone; it lives within each of us. Our personal experiences, insights, and expressions of love are valid and powerful truths.
Preaching truth in this context means sharing messages rooted in the authority of love. Love is the ultimate source of truth, and those who speak must be accountable to love and freedom. This accountability means:
Delivering messages faithfully without watering them down to please others
Speaking with patience and care, not harshness or brutality
Focusing on transformation, not just information
When truth is shared in love, it invites change and growth rather than fear or rejection.
Living the Message of Love and Freedom
Authenticity is key for anyone who preaches or shares messages of love and freedom. It is not enough to know the truth intellectually; it must be lived out in daily life. This means applying love in personal relationships, standing up for freedom in society, and being honest about one’s own journey.
For example, a person who preaches forgiveness must also practice forgiving others and themselves. Someone who speaks about freedom should actively resist oppression and support those who are marginalized. This alignment between words and actions builds trust and inspires others.
Preaching Love and Freedom to Yourself
The journey of love and freedom also includes a personal spiritual discipline: preaching love and freedom to yourself. This practice helps internalize the message and strengthens your connection to God as love in action.
Start each day with a prayer or meditation focused on love’s truth. Remind yourself that you are worthy of love and freedom, and commit to living these values throughout the day. This self-preaching can include:
Affirmations of love and acceptance
Reflecting on moments where you acted with love or courage
Setting intentions to choose love and freedom over fear
By nurturing this inner dialogue, you build resilience and deepen your spiritual growth.
Embracing Transformation Through Active Love
The goal of seeing God as a verb is transformation. It is not enough to know about love; we must live it. This transformation affects how we relate to ourselves, others, and the world. It frees us from rigid dogma and invites us into a dynamic, ongoing relationship with love.
When love becomes action, it changes communities and societies. It breaks down walls of judgment and fear. It creates space for freedom, healing, and growth. This is the power of preaching truth rooted in love—not as a static message but as a living, breathing force.
God is Love and so am I. - Wolf Witman
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