IT'S ALL ABOUT THE LOVE

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE LOVE

READ:

1 John 4:7-19

We have known and believed

the love that God has for us.

God is love. -1 John 4:16

I saw a sign in front of a church that seems to me to be a great motto for relationships:  Receive love.  Give love.  Repeat.

The greatest love that we received is the love of God.  He loved us so much that He gave His Son Jesus to live, die, and rise again to redeem us (1 John 4:9).  We receive His love when we receive Jesus as our Savior and Lord.  “As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name” (John 1:12).

After we’ve experienced God’s love, we then can learn to give love.  “Let us love one another, for love is of God” (1 John 4:7).

God’s love enables us to love our brothers and sisters in Christ.  We teach, encourage, and rebuke.  We weep and rejoice.  The love we give is tender and tough and supportive.  We are taught by Jesus even to love our enemies:  “Do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).  Giving love to others can be challenging in some situations, but it’s possible because of the love God has first given to us.

A good plan for our lives today:  Receive love.  Give love.  Repeat. –Anne Cetas

FOR FURTHER STUDY

How do we experience the love of Christ? (John 15:10).

What is the evidence of God’s love in our lives: (1 John

4:16-21).  How can we show God’s love today?

Receive love.  Give love.  Repeat.

INSIGHT

The apostle John is known for a simple writing style.  However, the content of his writings is among the most profound in all of Scripture.  Themes of God’s love and our response to it pervade much of what John writes.

Have a blessed day.

God Our Creator’s Love Always

Unity & Peace