In his letter to the churches scattered throughout the Roman province of Asia, the apostle John teaches us how, by faith, believers can rejoice in the sight and comfort of God’s presence. By faith, and through Agape, Greek for “brotherly love,” the presence of Yahweh can be seen and felt in others.
“12 No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us.” (1 John 4:12)
Because God chose to be invisible to human eyes, no one person can see Him in this life. However, Yahweh made it possible for His human creations to feel His presence by injecting love in His perfect, divine equation.
By loving each other, as Christ loves us in spite of our sin, we faithfully abide to the new law, the law of love revealed to us by Yeshua’s blood shed on the cross. By faith in God’s Son and His mighty sacrifice, His love pours out from us so His presence can be felt, and seen.
“13 By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit.” (1 John 4:13)
Believers are gifted with confidence flowing from the Holy Spirit, the essence of God. Through the Spirit, disciples are led to serve and fulfill each one’s plan according to God’s will. The fruit of a Christian is often a solid indicator of the Spirit’s presence within their hearts. We already know from the word that faith without works is dead…
“14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. 15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.” (1 John 4:14-15)
By faith, those who proclaim Jesus as Lord and Savior will be saved from the wages of our sin, which is death. By faith in Yeshua, the Christ, the presence of God is felt and poured out through works done in His holy name.
“16 And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.” (1 John 4:16)
John focuses his attention on love as the indicator of God’s presence within believers. Disciples of Jesus Christ should strive to have our love perceived, as love poured not but not felt can double as a sword, sharpened by evil and likely to leave spiritual scars.
What is John trying to teach us? He’s simply reminding us God is love, and His Spirit is found in those who pour out this brotherly love, in His holy name, for His glory. Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant John,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
