This We Know

Week 10

1 John 4:16 (NIV)  -  And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. 

·         “so we know and rely” 

      The more I know about this world the more I realize that there is nothing here on which I can depend.  Even our family and friends have limitations.  There are some things that they cannot do even if they want to with all their heart.  There are some promises that they cannot keep even if they fully intend to keep them.  But the more we know about the love of God, the more we know we can rely on Him.  He will never leave us and never forsake us. 

 

·         “The love God has for us”  

      Have you ever watched a Father or Mother lavish love on their children?  It is a beautiful thing but if you are on the sidelines and not the recipient of that love it only serves to stir your heart without satisfying the longing it creates.  God is love!  The Scriptures declare this truth and illustrate it to us over and over.  But God is not love in a theoretical sense.  He is love that overflows us, surrounds us, fills us, and lavishes upon us.  He loves me!  He loves you!  God’s love does more than just stir my heart.  His love fills me and satisfies the longing of my soul. 

·         “God is love”  

     What do you see when you imagine yourself standing before God?  Some imagine themselves trembling before a God of judgment or a standing in awe of His power but He is Abba Father, that translates “Daddy”.  God is not just a loving father, He is love!  Never before have we been so loved, so cherished, so embraced.  His countenance will be indescribable as His love overwhelms us.  When we fall to our knees on that day it will be because we stand before Daddy God – Abba Father.  You don’t have to wait until you get to Heaven be filled with God’s love today.

·         “Living in Love”   

      Often we view the Word of God and prayer as a hammer and anvil to shape those around us or affect the world.  Truth is God’s Word and prayer are most effective in this world when they first live in us.  It is Christ in us the hope of glory.  God’s Word in us that brings light.  The power of prayer changing us that creates a new dynamic.  Knowing about God’s love does little good.  Living out God’s love can change the world because when we live in love, we live in God.

·         “Living in God” 

      I have heard it said that “life happens”.  That is good advice.  As we wake up in the morning, go to work, clean the house, head off to school, raise our children,  or just hang with our friends the best witness we can offer of Jesus Christ is our life.  People are watching and listening.  

·         “God in him”   

     John tells us that if we live in love that you live in God but he ends this verse with the most powerful promise of a life lived in love.  God lives in you!  God who spoke the heavens into existence, set the sun and the stars in place, said let there be light and the sun began to shine, lives in you!  God is love and He is attracted to love.  Want more of God? Love never fails.