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Wednesday, 19 February 2020
1 John 3 : 1-24
You can tell God’s children from the devil’s children, because those who belong to the devil refuse to do right or love each other. -1 John 3:10 (CEV)
Think how much GOD loves us: He loves us so much that He lets us be called His children, we are truly His. Love is the center piece of God’s relationship to us- “ For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Undoubtedly, God’s love for the world is made manifest through His Son Jesus Christ. Therefore, knowing the Son is the first step in receiving the Father’s love and receiving His children.
God’s love will do these in us:
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Deliver us from Sin
Sin is an act of lawlessness by anyone who practices such. He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning (1 John 3:8). Obviously, religion cannot save anyone from such a state. “Most assuredly, I say to you, who ever commits sin is a slave of sin” (John 8:34) and “the wages of sin is death…” (Rom.6:23). Terrible as it may appear, we have a hope that we cannot be consumed in this dreadful decadence of sin. That is because, the love of God reached out to deliver us. Verse 8 continues: “For this purpose the son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” The love of God breaks the chain of sin. Trusting in Christ Jesus to set you free from sin, delivers you from the grip of sin. If the Son makes you free, you are free indeed (John 8:36). And the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord! (Romans 6:23)
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Foster love for one another
We have heard that we should love one another and are warned against hate. Love is kind and patient, never jealous, boastful, proud or rude. Love is not selfish or quick tempered; it does not keep record of wrongs of others. Love rejoices in the truth but not in evil. Love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:4-8). Failing to love each other brings us under the power of death. Anger and unforgiveness towards others breed hate and consequently wrong deeds. Cain was wicked and murdered his brother because his works were evil and his brother’s righteous; thus, murderers do not have eternal life.
We know what love is because Jesus gave his life for us- he demonstrated His love. Romans 5:8 says: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Even when you and I were sinful and were enemies with Him, Christ loved us—hence His willingness to die in our place! His love when poured out in our hearts helps us forgive and give!! Therefore, we must give our lives for each other. If we have enough and see the needs of others, we must help; otherwise we cannot say we love God. 1 Corinthians 13:1-2 reminds us that how much ever we may be gifted, or knowledgeable or having big faith, if we do not have love, we are nothing! Hence the practice of love is very important for a believer.
Are you God’s child? If not, the love of God reaches out to deliver you from sin and offer you eternal life through His Son, Christ Jesus. Does your love for God reach out to your brethren? If not, make a decision to demonstrate your love in tangible ways. May the love of God fill you and flow through you!
Think on it:
God wants us to have faith in his Son Jesus Christ and to love each other.....
1 John 3:23 (CEV)
Listen: ‘Here I am’
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