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Saturday, January 11, 2025

11Jan

1 John 4:9-12

We live in a world that seems to be filled with so much hurt, hate, selfishness, and anger. If we could only feel how close God is to us. He is right here with us every day, caring for us. I personally feel we can never tire of hearing about the love of God. God. Loves. Us. These are three words that will have the biggest impact on our lives if we believe and accept them. God's love is not hidden; it was revealed. Jesus' life and sacrifice are the ultimate proof that God truly loves us. Jesus didn't merely appear to us. He was "sent" with a purpose and for a reason.

This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. 1 John 4:9-12 (NIV)

When we truly know how much God loves us, we can love others better. We cannot see God, but we live by faith, not by sight. We know what love is because Jesus gave his life for us. The love Christians demonstrate reflects God’s love. When others can see that He lives within us, when we practice and exercise His love, they too can come to know that God is Love. Our love serves as tangible evidence of God and His love.

After John states that no one has ever seen God, he writes, “But if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is made complete in us.” We are His real-life examples to a lost world. We are the only Bible that some people may read in their entire lifetime.  Let the story they see in you and me be one of love.

Questions for Reflection:

  • Make acts of love a priority throughout this week. Do ‘on purpose’ acts toward others, expecting nothing in return. How does it make you feel?
  • Every time something reminds you of God’s love, say a small prayer of Thanks.

Prayer:

Loving God, Thank you for your never ending love. We know you went to great extremes to show your love for us. Help us to shine bright and to be living examples of your love so that others may come to know you. Amen

LoveSacrifice

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Posted by Maris McCarville

Maris McCarville - I am a retired 5th grade teacher. Although I loved being in the classroom and loved teaching, I am enjoying this new time in my life. I have been a member of Southwood since 1979! I love singing in the choir, volunteering at church and at Clinic With a Heart and really enjoy serving on a worship Care Team. Now that I am retired, I am so blessed to be able to spend more time with my family, especially my three little grandsons and my new little granddaughter.

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