1 John 4
In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. 1 John 4:9
I resume my study of 1,2,3 John using the
Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for these books. Today, my focus is an unassisted review of 1 John 4:7-12. In this text, John continues a focus on love which began in
1 John 2. We are commanded to love one another (v7) - see also post
here from last week on this same topic. Love is described as being from God (v7) and an attribute of God (v8) - v8 also shares how it is a litmus test of whether one truly follows and abides in Christ (vv7,8, 11). We also have the ultimate example and demonstration of love in v9. V10 reminds us that the love God has for us - and demonstrated through His death on the cross - is not deserved (see
Romans 5:10) and He loved us first, before we loved Him. V11 shares how we are also to follow His example to love others as He loves us - see also
John 13:34. The text today concludes with John sharing how no one has ever seen God (v12); and this text is connected in some way to the following text where John shares that IF we do love one another God is in us and His love is perfected in us (sanctification). For me the connection of these two statements separated by a semi colon is that John is sharing that while we have not seen God, God is seen in us if we truly follow Him, love Him, and then love others. We will be a light to others drawing others to God.
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who died for my sins - even through You did not deserve such a death. Thank You for loving me first and for loving me while still an enemy of You. My salvation is not deserved as my sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
