GOD’S LOVE

Four Benefits for You by Jonathan Shibley

God’s love is the most powerful force in your life and the hope for every nation!  In his first letter, John encourages us with the depth and breadth of His love; he reminds us of four personal, powerful benefits when God’s love impacts our lives:

1. God’s love draws you to Him.  “In this is love, not that we loved God but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” (1 Jn. 4:10).  It is God’s goodness that draws people to repentance (see Rom. 2:4).
2. God’s love drives you to love others.  “Since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another” (1 Jn. 4:11).  The apostle Paul said, “The love of Christ compels us” (2 Cor. 5:14).
3. God’s love defines who you are.  “God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in Him” (1 Jn. 4:16).  When you walk and live in God’s love, He is in you, marking your life with His presence.
4. God’s love defends you. “This is how love is made complete in us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment” (1 Jn. 4:17).  If Christ lives in you, because of what He did for you, you can be confident on the day of judgment because you are in right standing with God!  And here’s the proof – you live in His love!

This, above all else, is the mark of a follower of Jesus: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (Jn. 13:35).  Go out in the confidence of God’s love today and share His love with others!

Jonathan Shibley