I John 4:7

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Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.

THE STUDY:

          We have seen in scripture over the last few days that we are to speak as believers of Christ and not as the world (Vs 5). We are to listen to God’s word which is presented to us by His servants (Vs 6). Today we read that we are to “love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. “

          John is clear that the one who expresses God’s love toward others manifests the very character of God. Acting in love presents evidence that one is “born of God and knows God.” John brings together in born and knows the language of physical generation and intimate relation to enforce his point. This acknowledges God for who and what he is—a God of love. When John writes “Everyone who loves,” he is not saying that acts of love provide conclusive evidence that one is a Christian. The word agapōn (a present active participle), suggests continuous action and is best understood as everyone who keeps loving others. John stresses that an obvious lifestyle of love demonstrates that the life of God is truly present in us. On such a basis one “knows (ginoskei: he is presently knowing) God”.^[1]

WHAT WE CAN WALK AWAY WITH ….

• We walk away this morning understanding that Love originates in God and flows out from God. God’s love comes to all, both by creation and from grace. Anyone can choose to receive and express this divine love.^[2]

CONCLUSION:

          One of the responsibilities as a parent is to help our children be successful. Success in life encompasses so many different things. One of those things is relationships. Learning how to have a healthy relationship is very important and can bleed over into so many other aspects of life. I tell my kids that loving someone is a choice, not based on what you receive in return but what is given from it; GOD! God is love and as a believer we have that love dwelling inside to be released, not horded inside. If we do nothing else this day, may be release love into our relationships and into the world. By this act they will know we are from God!

Blessings my friends

Pastor Rod

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^[1] Williamson, R. (2010). 1, 2, & 3 John: A Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition. New Beacon Bible Commentary (142). Kansas City, MO: Beacon Hill Press.

^[2] Williamson, R. (2010). 1, 2, & 3 John: A Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition. New Beacon Bible Commentary (142). Kansas City, MO: Beacon Hill Press.