Good morning,
This week we will look at who is love, what He has done for us, our response, and what 1 John 4:7-21 tells us about love.
Assurance of the work of the Triune God in us (4:13-15)
13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world.15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
God has given us His love, Son, salvation, and then the Holy Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit lives within us to guide, direct, and comfort us. The Holy Spirit helps us to memorize God’s word. Then brings it to remembrance when we need it to witness, counsel, or comfort. But we can quench the Holy Spirit through sin. If we rebel against the Spirit of God, we will not be able to hear God’s still small voice.
The Christian’s response to God and His love (4:16)
16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
Are we Christians? Do we know and believe God’s love towards us? It is God’s requirement that we dwell in love. It is an indication we are saved.
The perfecting of love, both now and in eternity (4:17-18)
17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
Perfect love casts out fear. What a promise. Do we really believe this and apply it in our daily walk with the Lord? There is a tremendous amount of fear in our world today. There is much need for God’s love to be displayed. That perfect love needs to be seen in us. What are we trusting in? The world, the flesh, and the devil, or in the love of God?
We are learning this week that love is a powerful tool in God’s toolbox.
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com