“We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers…. “ (1 John 3:14)

This is an encouraging word. “We KNOW.” Love is life indeed! We know we’ve been translated to life when we love the brethren. 1 Corinthians 13 voices life-giving attributes of love (Message Version): “Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have. Love doesn’t strut. Doesn’t have a swelled head. Doesn’t force itself on others. Isn’t always ‘me first.’ Doesn’t fly off the handle. Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others. Doesn’t revel when others grovel. Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth. Puts up with anything. Trusts God always. Always looks for the best. Never looks back, but keeps going to the end.” This is exactly what Jesus, our perfect example, did and does every day for us. “By this we know what love is: Jesus laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers” (1 John 3:16). This has been God’s message from the beginning of time. “This is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another” (1 John 3:11)

In a twist, however, the Spirit also says: “The one who does not love remains in death” (1 John 3:14). The Spirit would add: “If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him?” (1 John 3:17). Since, we are beneficiaries of God’s eternal and undeserved love, let’s learn to know and demonstrate His love. Father, reveal Your love continually to us, that we may give Your life-love to others. Amen.

#goodmorning

BeEncouraged❤ Freely received. Freely shared