Week 7 - Day 2

Day 2: “The Love Given to Us” – Paul Bodine (Mens’ Small Group Leader)

Read: 1 John 4:11-14

Review: John commands us to "Love one another" echoing Jesus recorded in his gospel. He should know something about that as he refers to himself as the "the other disciple whom Jesus loved" indicating something special in this relationship that he seems to want to help us to understand and to share in. But he makes clear that the love starts with the Father, to the Son and then to us. Being the objects of this love, we should, in turn, love each other. 

It seems that we need to get in touch with the love being bestowed upon us in order for us to be able to love

one another. Another way of describing is to abide in His Love which Jesus says twice John 15:9-10. The beauty of this revelation not only fortifies us emotionally, but positionally we can be assured that we abide in Him because of the witness of the Holy Spirit who guides us into this and all truth.

Reflect: This scripture may seem to present a high bar for us to live, but in the context of what John is teaching us throughout this book, it starts with God's love for us. What kind of things keep me from experiencing fully the love the Father has for me through His Son?