based on Abiding in Jesus, w5d4
Read 1 John 4:11-16 and SOAP 1 John 4:11-12
Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. 12 No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us.
1 John 4:11-12
Picking up where we left off in the previous post, we know that God loved us while we were still sinners, needing to be saved. He sent His Son into the world to save us, which is wonderful and undeniable evidence that He loved us first. Continuing his teaching, John teaches that since God loved us so much that He sent His Son to save us, surely we should – and can – love one another. He also makes it clear that we should be loving one another. Specifically, as Jesus taught, we are to not just love but we are to love as Christ has loved us, (Jn 13:34). In other words, we are not to love based on the merit of another person or how we feel about them personally, but rather on the demonstration of God’s love for us, through Christ. 🦋
As has been pointed out throughout this journey, loving others isn’t always as easy as it sounds. However, I love the hope that today’s LGG Journal entry offers:
“As Christians, we have been born again, and this new birth has created a connection between God’s love for us and love for each other. The new birth happens when the Holy Spirit connect our dead, selfish hearts with GOd’s loving and living and loving heart. His love can now become our love. If God – who is love, is our Father, we will share more and more in that nature of love.
When we find it impossible to really love those around us, we should remember the deep connection we have with the Vine. The heart of Jesus is full of love towards us and everyone we have to deal with. He is more than capable of filling our hearts with His love for others. As we abide in Christ, let’s ask Him for that love.”
Abiding in Jesus/Journal p157
Friends, let’s thank Jesus for His deep and perfect love. May He help us to abide in His love each day, allowing it to flow through us to others. –
A song of response
The love of God is greater far
Than tongue or pen can ever tell.
It goes beyond the highest star
And reaches to the lowest hell.
The guilty pair, bowed down with care,
God gave His Son to win;
His erring child He reconciled
And pardoned from his sin.
O love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure—
The saints’ and angels’ song.
Me From the Inside Out 