Daily Devotion
“This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us. And God has given us his Spirit as proof that we live in him and he in us. Furthermore, we have seen with our own eyes and now testify that the Father sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. All who declare that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God. We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world.”
1 John 4:10-17 NLT
For all of the reasons we avoid letting people into our lives or getting involved in theirs, John gives us one good reason we should. It’s what God did for each of us. When we were uninterested in God, He pursued us. God sent His only Son into the world so our sin could be removed and our relationship could be restored. He stepped into our messy, self-destructive lives and got His holy hands dirty.
When we realize the depth of God’s love, it changes us. We want to spend time with Him, to know Him. We find joy in bringing Him joy. We love Him. And after a while, we become so familiar with His character that we know what He would say or have us do. Like a couple who has been together for decades, we begin to move in sync with one another.
Wisdom and discernment are key tools for success in this life; especially when it comes to relationships. If you are fearful about getting involved in the lives of others or allowing others in your life ask yourself why. Seek God for wisdom and discernment. Love cares. That’s the easy part. The Lord does the rest and that’s the hard part. For all of the reasons we avoid letting people into our lives or getting involved in theirs, aren’t you glad God got involved in our lives.
“Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. We love each other because he loved us first. If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a fellow believer, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see? And he has given us this command: Those who love God must also love their fellow believers.”
1 John 4:18-21 NLT
Restoring the Joy!
1 John 4:10-17 NLT
For all of the reasons we avoid letting people into our lives or getting involved in theirs, John gives us one good reason we should. It’s what God did for each of us. When we were uninterested in God, He pursued us. God sent His only Son into the world so our sin could be removed and our relationship could be restored. He stepped into our messy, self-destructive lives and got His holy hands dirty.
When we realize the depth of God’s love, it changes us. We want to spend time with Him, to know Him. We find joy in bringing Him joy. We love Him. And after a while, we become so familiar with His character that we know what He would say or have us do. Like a couple who has been together for decades, we begin to move in sync with one another.
Wisdom and discernment are key tools for success in this life; especially when it comes to relationships. If you are fearful about getting involved in the lives of others or allowing others in your life ask yourself why. Seek God for wisdom and discernment. Love cares. That’s the easy part. The Lord does the rest and that’s the hard part. For all of the reasons we avoid letting people into our lives or getting involved in theirs, aren’t you glad God got involved in our lives.
“Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. We love each other because he loved us first. If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a fellow believer, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see? And he has given us this command: Those who love God must also love their fellow believers.”
1 John 4:18-21 NLT
Restoring the Joy!
Recent
Archive
2026
January
2025
January
February
March
April
Categories
no categories
No Comments