Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.
1 John 4: 15-16 NKJV
There is a verse in one of my favorite scriptures that has helped put my heart at ease more than a few times, "Because he first loved us." Even before we could comprehend the word and feeling associated with the word love, God showered his unconditional love upon us. Is it not our human nature that sets limits on who we show love towards? Yes, we love our family, our mate and perhaps a few selected others, but can we truly love everyone that we meet? God has. In 1 John 4:16, the apostle John reveals something that many people may not have known. Not only does our Lord love his children, here John tells us that God IS LOVE. Keep in mind that the apostle John spent more than a few years in the very presence of God through his journey with Jesus. It is here that we learn that instead of just showering his unconditional love, that our Lord exemplifies love in its purest form. Not only that, but those of us who abide in love, abide in God. For it is he who showed unconditional love who is the very definition of it.
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love him becasue he first loved us. If someone says, I love God", and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God, whom he has not seen? And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.
1 John 4: 18-21 NKJV
Do we love our family? Do we love our friends? If not, what or who is it that we love? Does the scripture go too far by saying that he who hates his brother is a liar? How can he who personifies the very word of love abide in hatred? Yes, some people may find that reading 1 John 4:20 may be a tad bit offensive. After all, we're human, and God should expect us to occasionaly mess up right? Well, it's been my experience that Gods word is hardly politicaly correct at times. As the scripture tells us, Gods word is sharper than ANY two edged sword! Not only that, but people definately will react differently when others show them love or hatred.
There have been more than a few people in my life who have expressed their love for me. My family, and a few dear friends come to mind. Yes, there have even been a few who have shown me hatred, imagine that. However, there is only one who, despite all of my trespasses, has loved me from the begining. I didn't do anything to earn or deserve Gods love, it is unconditional. He invites each of us to accept his invitation. Whatever it is that our hearts may tell us we are unworthy to be loved, it is God who reaches out to shower us with his afffection. For he first loved us. One thing that we can be assured of, is that our Lord IS love, and he has plenty to give.
~Scott~
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