SCRIPTURE: 1 John 1-5
“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.” (1 John 3:16)
How do you summarize a whole letter in one verse, in one paragraph?
One word is enough to summarize what John wants to communicate: love.
Not weak, touchy feely or romantic love, but Jesus love, self-sacrificing love.
Not love for things or pleasure or comfort or survival or security… for God and for people.
Heart, soul, mind, strength love, for God and for people.
In the face of controversy, in the face of persecution, in the face of uncertainty, in the face of whatever: love.
When we are devoted to God and one another, we have discovered the meaning and wonder of life.
Unfortunately, this world is wrapped up in self-love, lust, love for things, love for pleasure.
Don’t fall into that trap, it will shipwreck your soul and deplete your joy and peace.
All these ‘loves’ are idols, fake gods offering fake happiness and fake meaning.
Anything less than Jesus kind of love will not meet the need of your soul.
The church ought to be known as a community that loves God and loves people, like Jesus did.
For as Jesus Himself explained to John and the other disciples:
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, many questions remain unanswered, much in life remains uncertain and difficult. But the bottom line remains. Do I love You, am I loving people like You? May people know I am Your disciple!