GOD SHOWED US
God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us.
1 John 4:9-12 (NLT)
Have you ever had someone tell you they loved you, even when you didn't know them very well? It makes me wonder whether they're truly sincere. It's typically reassuring to hear someone say, I love you. But how do we know someone really means it? If someone tells me they love me, but doesn't pay any attention to me, I may have a hard time believing their love is real.
How can I know that God really loves me? Because He showed or demonstrated His love to us. A couple of ways are noted in this passage. First, He wants to give us life with Him forever. If someone wants you to be with them forever, it sounds like they not only love you, but they really like you!
The second proof of God's love is what He did to give us the opportunity to be with Him forever – He sacrificed His only Son, Jesus. Wow, who loves like that?!
As I remember how much God loves me, I receive the motivation and the power to love those around me. Though we can't see God, we catch a glimpse of Him in the love we share with those around us. Let's show God to the world today by experiencing and expressing His love!
APPLICATION: Ask God to show you how much He loves you, then be silent and pay attention to the thoughts that come to your mind. Then ask God to show you someone He wants you to show love to today.
PRAYER: Father, as I listen for You now, please put thoughts in my mind of how much You love me. Thank You for sending Jesus to die for me and making a way for me to be with You forever. Show me how I can express Your love to someone today. Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don’t let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?