Our scripture this morning is 1 John 4:9-12.
God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. 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.
John reiterates from his gospel in this passage, specifically John 3:16. He reminds us that “this is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins”. God has already given us life itself, but through this gift of love we are forgiven.
The lesson here is because God loves us this much, we must love each other in return. We can see the image of our Creator in everyone, and love them just as we do Him. By this we demonstrate that we are true followers of Christ.
John writes that “no one has ever seen God” but when we see His creation, especially each other, we know Him and His love. Jesus taught us that this is the eternal connection between us, loving God and each other. Nothing else is as important as this.
Gracious God, in Your mercy You sent Your son to redeem us. Bless us to go in Your name to share this gift with the world. Amen.
