Abiding in Love
Scripture reading for November 24: 1 John 4
“Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us, God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as He is so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. We love because He first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God Whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from Him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.” 1 John 4:15-21
John was very old when writing this letter to the churches he had provided oversight for Jesus Christ. John was the ‘disciple whom Jesus loved.’ (John 21:20) John had confessed that Jesus was God’s Son and came to know the love of Jesus from being one of the original twelve disciples. It is said that one of John’s favorite sayings was “beloved, love one another.” John encouraged believers to abide in God’s love. Jesus’ greatest act of love was the sacrifice of His own body and blood to redeem sinners.
When we abide in Christ’s love, we find freedom from fear of punishment. We trust in God’s Word and the Holy Spirit testifies that we are God’s children and He is our Father. Our response to God’s love driving out fear is to return God’s love by obedient faith in His Word. God commands us to love one another because He is love. If we abide in love for God, we must love our brothers and sisters. If we say we love God, but abide in hatred towards another, we are under deception and a liar. If we want confidence on the day of judgment, we must also forgive our brothers and sisters and abide in God’s grace and love. Jesus paid the penalty and we say ‘Thank You.’
In examining your own life, has God’s perfect love delivered you from fear of death and punishment? Are you abiding in Christ’s love and His perfect sacrifice demonstrating that love? Is there an act of love or forgiveness by grace that you may need to extend to someone you hate or harbor anger against?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for this amazing world view of abiding in Christ’s love and living a life free from fear. Thank You for John and his simple letter of encouragement to abide in love. Reveal any unforgiveness or hatred in my heart today and restore my confidence in Christ’s love. Amen.
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