Love is an action verb, not a noun that sits there.

John 3:16King James Version (KJV)

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

There's a lot of talk about love in "church" today (rightfully so). However, much of it is used like this: "If you love Jesus you will give to his church," "If you love God you will be here every time the doors are opened," or, "If you really love him, you will help clean (or repair) this beautiful building he's blessed us with."

In this well known (and often misused) verse, the Bible says, "For God so loved the world, that he gave...." Who did he give to? Did he give to build a church building? Did he give to line the preacher's pocket? Did he give to create another possible vocation for us to be paid for? NO!!!!!!

Ezekiel 22:30

And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.

He could not find anyone who would make up the hedge to protect Israel (and the world). So, this is what God did:

Isaiah 59:16

And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm broughtsalvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him.

God became a man. His love moved him to action. He became the lamb of God to open up the windows of heaven for "whosoever will." 

He looked and saw our need and his love caused him to feel compassion. His compassion moved him to action. Love is an action verb. 

When we feel the love of God and we look around us, we will be moved with compassion. That godly compassion will move us to action. "God so loved the world, that he gave..."

We need to do likewise. 

Contrary to popular opinion, the giving in the new testament was not to build up a church building. It was not to build up an organization and keep up their headquarters. It was to help with the needs of real people. It was to help those in need of the body of Christ and also of the world. 

We are supposed to BE the church to each other and the world. We are not supposed to GO to church. WE ARE THE CHURCH. 

Let's stop playing church and be the church. Let's stop lifting up men and organizations and start lifting up Jesus and being about his work. 

Revival will never happen until we get wrapped up in him and allow him to get us wrapped up in the real lives of real people. It's that simple. 

It's not about a building. It's about people that God loves and feels compassion for. May he be able to use us as his hands and feet. Through that, people will see his heart. 

Anything short of this is not real Christianity.