08.30.10 “The origin of love”
Introduction to this Week’s Reading
Our church exists to “make disciples of Jesus Christ who will love God, love others and serve the world.” The first two words of that phrase really define for us what the church is all about, making disciples. The second part paints for us a picture of what a disciple looks like. A disciple is someone who loves God, loves others and serves the world. In our GPS readings last week we looked at five scriptures which focused on loving God. This week we are looking at what the Bible says about loving others.
When Jesus was asked to identify the single greatest commandment, he actually provided two answers — loving God and loving others. As you read through these scriptures this week, wrestle with the deep connection that exists between these two commandments. According to the Bible, we cannot do one without the other. If you want to grow in your love for God, it will always require you to grow in your love for your neighbor.
God, we confess to you that we sometimes find it easier to love you than we do our neighbor. We struggle with forgiveness. We wrestle with letting go. We forget that grace received should always lead to grace shared. Forgive us, God, for this sin and inspire us to see our neighbor through your eyes. Thank you, God, for loving each of us in spite of these, our sins. Help us to love like you love. AMEN.
Scripture Reading: I John 4:7-12
7Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son[b] into the world that we might live through him. 10This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for[c] our sins. 11Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.
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Reflection Questions
In our GPS readings last week we looked at the core value of our faith which is defined by Jesus in the 22nd chapter of Matthew. When asked to identify the greatest commandment, Jesus pointed towards love as the primary practice of our faith. In John’s first letter he contends that our knowledge of God is directly connected to our practice of loving God and others.
- John goes beyond simply saying that God thinks love is a good idea. He says that God is love. Love is not God’s recommendation; it’s central to God’s character. Why might John think it’s important for us to see God in this way?
- According to verse 12, how does our practice of loving others affect our own heart and life? How would you describe the benefit that love has created in your life?
Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.®. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.