God Is Love

Backstory:
The apostle John wrote this letter during his later years, and evidence from early Christian writers places John in Ephesus during most of those years. The fact that it was addressed to no one by name suggests that it was a circular letter sent to Christians in a number of places, likely in the area around Ephesus. As John’s readers were confronted with false teachers, he set forth 3 key tests of authentic Christian faith: belief that Jesus is the incarnate Son of god, obedience to Christian commands, and love for brothers and sisters in Christ.

God’s Story:
I love my people so much that I call them my children. I have provided them with everything they need to understand and live according to my will. My plan is that they will live out the love I have shown them. Jesus provided them with concrete examples of how to do this during his time living among them on the earth — and especially by the way he voluntarily laid down his life for them.

Read 1 John 2:28 – 3:24

Your Story:
The world is fraught with arguments, disagreements, anger and hate. Even Christians are guilty of forgetting one of Christ’s greatest commands: “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34). Showing love to another person is relatively easy when the person is amiable and friendly. However, it can be difficult when the person is unlovable, unreasonable or angry. John reminds us that we must show love in our words and in our actions. Simply put: If you love God, act like it!