“13 By this we know that we abide in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent His Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. 16 So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.17 By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as He is so also are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love (1 John 4:13-18 ESV).”
To know God is to know love. As John tells us, “God is love (1 John 4:7).” Our faith in the Savior, restores a broken relationship, enabling us to become the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. John instructs us in the reality that knowing God requires that we abide in Him. This means that we allow His Spirit to work through us, resulting in His presence being made known to those who do not know God. The manifestation of God’s love in the heart of His people is evidence of the presence of God abiding in them (1 John 4:13). He sent Jesus to be the propitiation (atonement) for sin. He did this because He loves us. Our response to this love, from God through the Son is part of the redemption story.
We are part of the redemption story. You are part of the expression of love from God for His creation. Because you said yes to the invitation of love from God resulting in the Salvation of your soul, you are part of the story. Because you called out in faith, because you have stretched out your hand to grab hold of His hand of Salvation, you have become part of the love story. Your willingness to turn to the Father, in love, makes love perfect. John tells us, “whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. By this is love perfected with us (John 4:16-17).” Love poured out by God in sending us Messiah. Love embodied through the agony of the cross. Love triumphant at the dawn of Resurrection. Love perfected in the faith of His children as we are united with Love Eternal.
Let the love of God pour forth from your heart. Allow this love to be a vibrant testimony of hope. You are part of the love story. Have confidence, even as the world aligns itself with judgement. Have confidence because there is “no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18). You are held in the hands of the Almighty. Whom shall you fear? Be His. Be an expression of His love for the hopeless. Be love, perfected in faith and upheld by our Savior, Jesus. To God be the glory, forever and ever and ever…Amen!
Corby Shuey 