“We love because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:19 NIV
John reminds us that the Love that gives us confidence in the day of judgment comes from God. The great preacher Charles Spurgeon has five different sermons on verse 19 alone; a great reminder of us needing to hear this verse expounded repeatedly. If we love God or others to any extent with genuine biblical love, we need to remember that such love did not originate with us. It came from a holy, merciful, gracious and forgiving God, who loved us while we were yet sinners. It is evidence that we have experienced His love in a saving way. One practical application of verse 19 is if we are struggling to love someone, especially someone who has wronged us, we are to meditate on God’s love as it was shown to us at the Cross of Jesus Christ. We did not deserve it in any way. On the contrary, we deserved His wrath and judgment. But despite all our sins, Jesus willingly suffered the penalty that we should have received. Now He wants us to be the channel for His love to other sinners. One is reminded of the words, “Jesus in me, loves you.” It is only when we live daily with the conscious awareness of the Holy Spirit’s indwelling presence that we will be a channel of this amazing love that has transformed our lives, to those around us, even those we struggle to love. Remember, “Jesus in me, loves you!” Let these words sink into our hearts today and every day!
PRAYER THOUGHT
Lord, let the love with which You love me flow through my life.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
Holy Spirit, make us aware of Your indwelling presence that has transformed our lives moment-by-moment, so we are a channel of Jesus’ amazing love to those around us, even those we struggle to love. AMEN
I.B.R.A. Readings
Genesis 6:11-22
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