Love is an Action

Today’s reading – 1 John 3

Scripture –
1 John 3:18 – Little children, we must not love in word or speech, but in deed and truth;

Observation –
In this chapter, John spells out how those of us who are Christ followers are to love one another.  Christ lay down His life for us and we ought to lay our lives down for other Christ followers (vs. 16).  We are commanded by God to love one another and that is what we should do.

Application –
Is this verse saying that we shouldn’t say that we love one another?  Of course not.  What it’s saying is that it’s not enough to say, “I love you.”  It’s easy to say that we love someone, but another thing altogether to actually live out that love.  How many times am I guilty of telling my wife that I love her and then go out and say hurtful things to her?  How many times am I guilty of telling my kids that I love them and then avoid quality time with them?  How many times am I guilty of saying that I love others and not reach out to help meet a need?  This morning at church we talked about hypocrisy.  Hypocrisy happens when we say one thing and live another.  In this verse we see that if we truly love someone we should show it by tangible acts of love.  This proves that our words are true.  Whenever our words and actions don’t match we are hypocrites.  It’s time for me to examine my life.  Am I consistent in demonstrating love for people in my life?  It’s not enough to just say it.

Prayer –
God, Help me to really love You and others in my life.  May I not be guilty of saying that I love someone and live differently.  Help me at all times to be consistent with my love.  Help me to always show people my love for them.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

God Revealed to Us in Jesus

Today’s reading comes from 1 John, 2 John, and 3 John.  Here’s what I journaled –

Scripture –
1 John 1:2 – This one who is life itself was revealed to us, and we have seen him.  And now we testify and proclaim to you that he is the one who is eternal life.  He was with the Father, and then he was revealed to us.

Observation –
As John begins his letter, he makes it clear on what basis he is writing.  It’s all in the context of Jesus.  He’s not just writing about Jesus.  Rather, he is speaking as someone who personally experienced Jesus.  He is John – one of the 12 disciples of Jesus.

Application –
The words here are fitting for the occasion of today – Christmas Eve.  As we get ready to celebrate the birth of Jesus tomorrow on Christmas day, we must remember the truth of this verse.  God chose to reveal Himself to us through His Son Jesus.  This verse points out that Jesus has always existed.  He didn’t come into being by being born as a baby boy on Christmas day.  Rather, He “was with the Father, and then he was revealed to us.”  This is important to remember that we worship Jesus – God in the flesh.  Another aspect of this verse stands out for me.  It says that He is the “one who is life itself.”  Does my life reflect this truth?  Am I living my life aware of the fact that He is all that matters in this life.  Or, am I trying to live my life for me?

Prayer –
God, As we transition into Christmas day, help me to remember who Jesus really is.  He is God in the flesh.  Because He came to earth, He revealed You to us.  What He revealed to us shows that He is life itself.  Help to live in the truth of this.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.