“In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.” 1 John 4:9 NKJV
John’s point here is that we, God’s born-again children, are Exhibit A of His great love that caused him to send His only begotten Son to this wicked world. “Only begotten” focuses on the uniqueness of Jesus in relationship to the Father. He alone is the eternal Son of God who existed in the beginning with God (John 1:1). We, who were rebels, dead in our sins, did not deserve to have Him come to this world to redeem us. Why did He come? To display or manifest His great love in us, to His glory (Ephesians 1:3-12)! John says that Jesus came to this world “so that we might live through Him.” Christianity is not primarily a matter of a person deciding to stop certain sinful practices and to start doing morally acceptable practices. It is not a matter of changing from being a non-religious person who spends Sundays for himself, to becoming a regular churchgoer. Rather, at its heart, Christianity is a matter of God imparting new life to those who are dead in their sins (Ephesians 2:1-5). That new life manifests itself in loving behaviour. As born-again people who have experienced God’s love, we are called to display His love to this wicked world that crucified the Son of God. We do this through the reality of the indwelling power and ministry of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives, who spreads the love of Jesus abroad in our hearts.
PRAYER THOUGHT
As You have shown us Your love, Lord, let it be shown through us.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
As born-again people who have experienced Your love, Lord, may we fulfil the calling to display Your love to this wicked world that crucified the Son of God. Help us to do this through the reality of the indwelling power and ministry of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives, who spreads the love of Jesus abroad in our hearts. AMEN
I.B.R.A. Readings
Philippians 3:12-4:1
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