Reflecting on Acts 4:23-31“They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen.” (Acts 4:28)
What is God’s will for us?
As I understand it, God’s will is that we love God and love people.
God used His power to create this kingdom of love, where His will was done.
When this verse is read, we normally think of God’s controlling power and will.
We assume it means that God is in control, and used His power to make things happen.
The power and the will of God are directed to the same end.
Everything God wants to do, and everything God does, is determined by love.
Love does not control people (try it with your loved ones).
Love is expressed through self control, a fruit of the Spirit.
Love submits, love serves, love forgives, and this involves willpower.
God’s plan from the beginning was to step into our world in love.
Everything Jesus said and did, His signs and wonders, were acts of love.
God knew what sinful humans would do to Jesus, and decided to do it anyway!
It was the power of love that was crucified; it was the power of love that arose!
Goodness and love is how God overcomes evil; this is the power of love!
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, forgive us for seeing God as all-controlling, not as all-loving. Empower us with self-control and willpower to love as You loved, and to overcome evil like You do... with love!
‘but the greatest of these is love.’
In practicing the Way, to be more and more like Jesus, is to share the love He has.