One day last week, I sat with 1 John 4:12-16 open before me. I have to be honest, I don’t think it has ever read so powerfully as it did that morning. Verse 12 captured my complete attention.
“No one has see God at any time; if we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us.” (NASB)
We know from Scripture no one has seen God at any time. Yet John is telling us something so important, critical in my opinion.
No one can see God and live …
“He can be seen, however, in the lives of those who demonstrate His love to others.”
(from The New American Commentary, Vol. 38, page 182)
But notice the word ‘if’ which I highlighted in the above Scripture. The use of that word ‘if’ means there is the possibility we won’t love one another. But it is the very love we show one another that will be the demonstration of God to those around us.
John goes so far as to say that God’s love is perfected in us – He has equipped us by the indwelling of His Holy Spirit to be capable of loving others with the same love He has shown to us.
Over the last few weeks, I have pointed out the “so that” phrases from the words of John. Are you beginning to think in terms of “so that”; in other words, are you beginning to think in terms of cause and effect?
God’s love and the salvation He imparts to us definitely have a cause and effect on our lives.
In a nutshell:
God has loved us so that we can love others.
There have been seasons when the only thing we could do was pray. When there are no more words left to say, when we leave it all in His hands, and pray those simple words, we can trust Him to do all things well. Linda Stoll offers her wisdom in this post, “For when we wrestle with the hard stuff” HERE. You will surely be encouraged!
Come, sit a spell. Bring your coffee, your posts, and your thoughts. If you link up, kindly visit those who have drawn up a seat around you.
Please Note: The linkup will stay open for 2 weeks due to Thanksgiving. May you all have a blessed Thanksgiving, enjoying family and friends, as you give thanks for all you have received from God, our Father!
I love how God reveals Himself to us through our love for one another Joanne!
We indeed have an amazing Heavenly Father.
Blessings to you sweet friend & a blessed Thanksgiving!
Jennifer
Good morning, Joanne! I’m in the midst of a Revelation bible study and earlier this morning I was reminded over and over again of how God uses cause/effect over and over again! I’ve had so many “aha moments” as connection upon connection throughout the bible are revealed! God is so good!
Amazing how a 2 letter word can be a complete game-changer, Joanne.
Happy week before Thanksgiving to you, friend.
Your “so that” observations the last several weeks have opened my eyes to that phrase. I’m thinking it occurs or is implied much more than I ever realized before. Everything God gives us is meant to be used to glorify Him and edify others. May we be filled with His love and let it overflow to others.
So cool… our small group on Wednesday afternoons has been reading 1 John and we’ve been highlighting “so that” as well. We’ve shared each week that God has a purpose for us to know. He wants us to know!
Thank you for having us slow down and ponder that verse and the word “if.” It seems that if I want to fully experience God’s love then I must exercise it by loving others. It looks like love is a muscle that grows strong with use.
A significant point. Thanks, Joanne.
Your words are so encouraging “so that” we may seek and serve in a lost and dying world! “So that” those around is may sense a peace and comfort in the midst of busyness! Appreciate your encouragement
It’s so important to love! As you said, “it is the very love we show one another that will be the demonstration of God to those around us.”
We must remember we represent Christ! Yet we need Him to help us love others. On our own, it’s impossible.
So beautiful—and so important! It’s not our theological correctness or our big “platform” that makes a difference. It’s the love of Christ!
What beautiful thoughts, Joanne! I have often wondered just how much God’s heart is blessed when He sees us loving others as we have been loved!
The love of God is transforming! Joanne, may you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving!