1 John 4:15 If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God.
Acknowledging Jesus isn’t a magic force field that keeps you from being human. Even with Jesus by our side, we still make mistakes. We still get it wrong–sometimes so very, very wrong. Having Jesus just means that each mistake, each misstep, isn’t a death sentence. We aren’t immediately kicked out of Jesus’s good graces for each slip.
1 John 4:16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love…
I admit that sometimes I get stuck with the mental image of the Old Testament God, who is not the epitome of love in my mind. OT God is all about vengeance and wrath. But the same God sent His Son Jesus to die for our sins. THAT is the God of love. And if God believes that every person is redeemable, who am I to argue? That’s the love I am to model. God’s love. Christ’s love. For everyone.
1 John 4:16b …Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.
Precious Savior, I am so incredibly thankful for Your love, Your grace, Your mercy. Forgive me when I judge another of Your children who has messed up, whom You still love fiercely and unconditionally. Help me to be as gracious with my love as You are. Help me. Amen.
1 John 4:17 This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus.
Have a blessed day.