1 John 4, Love Story

 

1 John 4, Love Story.

There are two types of people in this world, Christians and non-Christians. Christians worship God; non-Christians, no matter what they say, worship satan. They may not formally be members of the occult religion, but their refusal to accept Christ puts them on satan's side. Satan is already a defeated enemy, so believers can continue their work for God's Kingdom fearlessly. For as powerful as satan’s army appears to be, Christ is greater by far. “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”

God authored the concept of love. When people become believers, they learn how to “love one another” because the spirit within shows them how as they yield to His leading. Christian relationships ought to be the most loving in the world. Christians who meet each other for the first time experience a bond of love that transcends understanding. The love that binds Christians makes for solid and eternal relationships. The love relationships reveal God in us.

No one has ever seen God, but God reveals himself to the world through his frail and imperfect people by perfecting His love in them. As believers go into the world living their faith, they reveal God to everyone they meet. Their love reveals God's presence in their lives. When believers show love toward one another and to the unbelieving world, God makes Himself known and his love is “perfected” in them. God often shows His love through His people. What does our love for others say on God's behalf?

When believers hate one another, they certainly are not showing love. At times a critical spirit will cause believers’ relationships to become strained as they judge each other. Believers will always disagree on some matters, but they should still be able to celebrate their unity in Christ. Those with critical spirits, however, will be unable to love others. If they cannot love their fellow believers whom they can see, how can they possibly love the invisible God? Believers who claim to love God but hate others are lying to themselves, God, and everyone else.

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better. If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com. Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary. Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible, J. Vernon McGee

Through the Bible.