Love Is From God
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God,”
When we think about the Lord, many different attributes of God's character come to mind. We often write about his goodness, faithfulness, wisdom, beauty, power, and strength. But above all of these, we see the perfect image of steadfast love in the eyes of God.
John encourages and commands us as followers of Jesus to love one another. Love is how we engage with others in the body of Christ and also in the world. Love is the culture of God’s kingdom. Indeed, Jesus said in John 13:34 ESV, “just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.”
The kind of love produced through human striving cannot compete with the love that God has. It is only in looking to him, learning from him, and receiving his grace, that we come to know what the love of God is.
However, the best way we learn to embody love to those around us is to be loved by the Lord. God’s will for you is that you would experience his tender love and mercy. He reaches out to demonstrate the depths of his heart toward you and me.
Sometimes we run away. Often we hide. I know that I have struggled to feel worthy of his love. That does not mean I have frequently been sad and discouraged, but I have chosen to try and earn God’s love through good works. It does not mean that I have always seen God’s love and ran away to find another hope, but I have gone after things of the flesh and pursued ministry in an attempt to avoid acknowledging my need for him.
Maybe you have experienced something like this.
At the end of the day, we cannot share something we have not received. To love one another with the love that comes from God, we must experience and know this love right from the source. There is a tremendous difference between someone who knows about God’s love and someone who lives in God’s love.
What is holding you back today from receiving God’s love? Do you feel loved by God? Are you open to his love? Are you vulnerable and honest with him? Or do you fear condemnation and judgment?
Whatever is going on in your world, I want to invite you to pause today and simply ask God to help you move deeper into his love. I know that God will be faithful to come your way. James 4:8 ESV says, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.”
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Abiding happens daily in his presence. Abiding Daily is a simple and practical reminder to stay connected to the vine. Each prompt is inspired by the scriptures and designed to point you toward prayer and encounter. You can follow us on Facebook and Instagram. To get the Daily Invitation sent to you every day click this link or text “Daily” to +1 (779) 237-3914.
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