Our scripture this morning is 1 John 4:15-16 (NLT).
All who declare that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God. We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.
The apostle John wrote a Gospel, Revelation and three letters to help us understand Christ’s work for us, and the love of God He shared with us. Our task is to carry on His work by sharing that love with all God’s children. This isn’t a choice but a command to anyone who confesses Him as Lord.
In John’s Gospel we hear the same words from Jesus Himself: “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples” (John 13:34-35). No testimony in the world is better than living out the saving love He brought us. Our words and actions must reflect that love or we are lying to ourselves.
God’s love has been there for us from the beginning. In Isaiah 54:10 we read “For the mountains may move and the hills disappear, but even then my faithful love for you will remain. My covenant of blessing will never be broken, says the Lord, who has mercy on you.” God wants all His wayward children back and He sends the followers of Jesus to accomplish this.
Gracious God, when we chose our own way You still loved us and sent Your Son to save us from sin. Bless us to go in Your name to share the Good News with the world. Amen.
