God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. (I John 4:16b)
God is love. Three simple words that very well may be the deepest, most profound revelation in all of reality. John says he knows this revealed truth about God because he has seen it, heard it, touched it. “We proclaim to you what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life.” (I John 1:1, 3) It is because of the incarnation of Jesus Christ – God made man – that we can know and experience the deepest mysteries of God’s own inner life. His love is not like our love. His love precedes all human response and is freely offered to all, regardless of the condition of its object. “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) The incarnation of Jesus did not occur because he was drawn to us. It occurred because he was thrust outward by his love. His desire was to abide with us, as one of us, so that we could abide in Him.
“We love, because He first loved us.” (I John 4:19) Those who abide in God’s love are enabled to love with God’s love. Our love can be liberated from division, conditions, or requirements. Once we love with God’s love, suddenly our love is free. It’s a deep, profound mystery which Paul describes as “Christ in you.” (Colossians 1:27) That’s what this coming season is all about. That is what our entire existence is about. God is love. We abide in him. We love as he loves.
- The Church in Sin City - February 23, 2023
- 1-23-22 Sunday Service Update - January 22, 2022
- Looking Forward to the 75th Anniversary - August 31, 2021
