Our scripture this morning is 1 John 4:18-19.
Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. We love each other because he loved us first.
John is the author of a gospel, three letters and the book of Revelation. In all of these he focuses on God’s love given to us through the work of Jesus in our lives so that we can share His love in the world. His plan includes us so that we may continue what Christ died and rose to bring us.
God created everything that is and blessed us to live in a world made for our needs. However, He also gave us free will to choose our actions and sadly, we often choose poorly, to our detriment and that of our brothers and sisters. We forget that God made us in His image to love Him and one another.
In 1 Corinthians 13 Paul gives us many characteristics of love, that it is patient, kind and doesn’t demand its own way. We need to keep these in mind when we face difficult situations, loving each other “because He loved us first”. God is love (1 John 4:8) and in Him we find blessing, comfort and the energy to go in His name.
Loving Lord, we are humbled that you chose us to be part of what You are doing in creation. Help us to share Your love with everyone that they may know the joy of salvation. Amen.
