Today’s Reading: 1 John 3:1-24
Do you believe that God’s love is shown through you? What if today you took every interaction and made it a platform to show God’s love through you? I know we are all at different seasons of life. There have been times where we have been too busy, not have enough finances, not have the time, or preoccupied with our events to spend the time with others. I’ve been there, said that, done that, and missed the opportunity to point everything good that I know, seen, or happened to me or others back to Jesus. Jesus never had excuses. He made time for everyone, no judgments about past sins, no worries about what others would think. Jesus just showed love. It’s the same calling from John in verses 11-24.
Love One Another
11 The message you heard from the very beginning is this: we must love one another. 12 We must not be like Cain; he belonged to the Evil One and murdered his own brother Abel. Why did Cain murder him? Because the things he himself did were wrong, and the things his brother did were right.
13 So do not be surprised, my friends, if the people of the world hate you. 14 We know that we have left death and come over into life; we know it because we love others. Those who do not love are still under the power of death. 15 Those who hate others are murderers, and you know that murderers do not have eternal life in them. 16 This is how we know what love is: Christ gave his life for us. We too, then, ought to give our lives for others! 17 If we are rich and see others in need, yet close our hearts against them, how can we claim that we love God? 18 My children, our love should not be just words and talk; it must be true love, which shows itself in action.
Pastor Mike asked us to this week reflect on this, “What is the evidence of Jesus in our lives?” How can I love today? How do I love moving forward?
- Unconditionally. God calls us sons and daughters to love people as they are and to pray that He will do work in their lives. (Romans 5:7-8)
- Sacrificially. We should not merely tell others of God’s love but show them that God loves through our demonstrations of love. (1 John 3:16-18
- Personally. The only Christ some people may see is in us! (1 John 4:20-21)
Verse 10 This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right, nor if anyone who does not love their brother and sister.
I can claim a lot of things. But do I show love towards others? Am I living in the past or taking every interaction, moment, and choice of words to show His love?
Hey Bible Journal family. I love you all and am grateful for all of the words of hope you provide every day!
Lord, Help me to love more. Not just in my words but in my actions. Help these actions to come deep from my heart and not just at the surface. Amen