He who doesn’t love doesn’t know God, for God is love. 1 John 4:8 WEB
Knowing someone indicates familiarity. We know the people in our families because we experience them in our daily lives. We know our friends and coworkers for the same reason. Familiarity gives us an understanding of who each person is. And so, to know God, we must have a personal relationship with him. In addition, knowing his word gives us insight into his will for our lives.
In 1 John, the writer asserts that God is love. As children of God, we live in the love of God and demonstrate that love in our daily lives. The text explains that if we do not love, then we do not know God. Though we were sinners, God sent Christ to the cross to pay for our transgressions. Receiving this gift of love, we, in turn, give our love to the Lord and to our fellow man. We do this expressing our gratitude for the love we have received and to be more like our father in heaven.
Love Like Christ
Jesus Christ is the son of God. He obeyed God’s will for his life and suffered for our sins. During his ministry and still today, Christ showed his love for mankind. Jesus comforted his followers. He healed the sick. The Lord freed the oppressed and forgave their sins. In short, he lived a life of service in obedience to God’s will.
Beyond that, Jesus instructed the faithful to follow his example saying in John 13:34-35, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another. WEB” God commands us to love one another in order to demonstrate that we are his people. After all, God is love.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for loving me. Help me to love others as you love them and as you love me. Lead me to better understand your will and your word so our relationship will grow deeper and stronger. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: God Is Faithful
