1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
“We love because He first loved us.” Verse 19 resonates deeply. God created me in my mother’s womb, knit me together in her inmost being. He loved me from the moment He first conceived of my being. He knew everything about me, all that I would do, say, think, feel. All the mistakes and missteps I would make. He knew everything. And He loved me fiercely and eternally in spite of myself..
1 John 4:19 We love because he first loved us.
I am called to love as He loves. Not because another is worthy. Not because another hasn’t done anything wrong or irredeemable. God didn’t place those restrictions on His love for me, and He calls me to love as He loves. Simple, but not easy.
1 John 4:20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.
Precious Savior, Help me to love as You love–beyond mistakes and missteps and into potential. Help me to see others as You see them. Help me to give grace to others and to myself as You give grace to me. Help me, Jesus. Amen.
1 John 4:21 And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.
Have a blessed day.