Since God So Loved
Date: June 7, 2023
I use the BLESS method every morning for my devotional.
B - Bible Verse
L - Listen for God's Word and pray
E - Explore the History and meaning
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases
S - Summarize and Share
You can read more about it by going to: What is a Faith Journal?
B - Bible Verse: "Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." (1 John 4:11)
L - Listen for God's Word and pray: Dear God, thank you for reminding me of your immense love for me. Help me to grasp the depth of your love so that I can extend that love to others. Teach me to love others as you have loved me. Amen.
E - Explore the History and Meaning: Author and Context: The book of 1 John was written by the apostle John, who was one of Jesus' twelve disciples. This letter was written to the early Christian community as an encouragement to remain steadfast in their faith and to emphasize the importance of love in their relationships with God and one another.
Meaning: In this particular verse, John reminds us of the incredible love God has shown us. God's love is so vast and unconditional that He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for our sins. Because of this immense love, we are called to love one another in the same way. It is not merely a suggestion but an obligation. Our love for others should reflect the love that God has poured out on us.
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases:
God's love: This refers to the sacrificial and unconditional love that God has demonstrated towards us through Jesus Christ. It is a love that knows no bounds, that surpasses human understanding, and that seeks our highest good.
Love one another: This phrase emphasizes the command to love our fellow human beings, including our brothers and sisters in Christ. It is a call to selfless and sacrificial love, extending kindness, compassion, forgiveness, and support to others.
S - Summarize and Share:
I want to remind you today of something truly amazing—the incredible love that God has for us. It's mind-boggling, really. God's love is not based on our performance or worthiness; it's a love that goes beyond our comprehension. He loved us so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for our sins, to bring us into a relationship with Him.
And because of this boundless love we have received, we are called to love one another. It's not an option, but a beautiful responsibility we have as followers of Christ. When we love others, we reflect God's love in our lives. We become vessels of His love, spreading kindness, compassion, and forgiveness to those around us.
Loving others can be challenging at times, especially when faced with difficult people or in challenging circumstances. But we are empowered by the same love that God has poured into our hearts. We can tap into His unlimited resources of love, drawing strength and grace to love even when it's hard.
In a world where hatred and division seem to dominate, our love can be a powerful force for change. It can break down barriers, heal wounds, and bring hope to those who need it most. Our love can be a testimony to the transforming power of God's love.
Let's make a conscious decision to love one another. Let's choose forgiveness over grudges, kindness over indifference, and compassion over judgment. Let’s allow God’s love to flow through us and touch the lives of others, sharing it with our families, friends, neighbors, and even strangers we encounter on our journey.
As we extend love to others, we become part of a beautiful chain reaction. Love begets love. And when love flows freely, it has the power to change lives and impact our world.
Today, let's embrace the call to love one another, knowing that God's love
Bible cross references
John 13:34-35: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another."
Romans 13:8: "Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law."
1 Thessalonians 4:9: "Now about your love for one another, we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other."
1 Peter 1:22: "Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart."