This theme of love motivates John’s pen. He returns to it in 1 John 4:7-11. As we look to these verses we reflect on the love of God, what it does for us, and what it does in and through us.
The Love of God
“God is love,” he wrote. It is not about us loving God. It is that God loved us. He sent His Son Jesus to be the atoning sacrifice for our sin. Webster’s Dictionary defines atonement, “Christ’s incarnation and death on the cross which made up for the original sin of Adam and Eve, and enabled mankind to be at one with God again.”
God must express love for it is who He is. The person of Jesus Christ demonstrates God’s love.
What it Does for Us
What does it do for us? We in Christ live no longer under the curse of death, but alive through Jesus. Jesus spoke of this abundant life, a never ending life. It is a life of love awakened through the work of the Spirit of God’s transforming love. As we grow in our love and knowledge of Him, the centre of our universe changes. The Spirit of God living in us becomes our instructor.
What it Does In and Through Us
Love does something in and through us. John wrote “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God, and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.” It is a family trait. The life of love flows through us.
Paul wrote in Galatians of how it bears fruit like love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
In Philippians he wrote, “If there is any consolation in Christ, any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy.” Those who abide in Christ have experienced these things therefore he continues, “being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind, Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit.” He adds, “Let each of you look out not only for his own interest, but also for the interests of others.”
In this section, we reflected on the love of God, what it does for us and what it does in and through us.