Living In Love!

Scripture Text: "Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love”. -1 John 4:7-8 (KJV)

Image Credit: Magnific 

DEVOTIONAL

HELLO there, friend! Have you ever felt like life is a crazy rollercoaster? Well, here's a timeless truth: living in love is like finding the sweet spot in the ride. In the scripture text (1 John 4:7-8), it's like God is reminding us that love isn't just a warm, fuzzy feeling — it is His very essence. God is love.

So, what is it about living in love? This is not about being a superhero with a cape; is about taking on the heart-pounding, soul-stirring rhythm of God's love. It is this beautiful dance where we step into the melody of His grace and extend it to others.

You see, love isn't just a checkbox on the divine to-do list; it is the heartbeat of our Creator. And guess what? We're invited to join the rhythm. When we love one another, we're not just throwing around warm fuzzies; we're tapping into the pure, unfiltered source of all love—God Himself.

"Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God,"

Now, here's the real talk moment: Loving isn't always a walk in the park. It is messy, imperfect, and sometimes downright challenging. 

Yet, it is in those messy times that God's love shines the brightest. This is a reminder that we're all a work in progress, and love is the glue that holds us together.

Also, living in love is more than just a saying; it is a lifestyle. It's about showing kindness to the grumpy neighbor, lending a listening ear to a friend, and forgiving even when it feels impossible. It is not about having it all together but holding onto e messy, beautiful journey of love. "My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth."-1 John 3:18 

So, here's your invitation: let's live in love, not as a duty but as a wild, freeing adventure. Let's be people who breathe in God's love and exhale it into the world around us. After all, God is love, and when we live in love, we're living in the very heartbeat of our Creator.

POINTS OF REFLECTION

1. In what small ways can I show love to the people around me this week, even when it’s inconvenient?

2. How do I respond when someone’s views or actions are different from mine, and does that reflect love and respect?

3. Are there any boundaries I need to set or respect so that love in my relationships stays healthy and mutual?

PRAYER KEY POINTS 

Father, IJN:I thank you for loving me first, and saving me from damnation through your personified love.

Father, IJN: Let your loving kindness be embodied in all my actions and reactions to others.

Father, IJN: I ask that you daily baptize me with your spirit that makes loving others a lifestyle.

COMMIT TO MEMORY 

"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another." -John 13:34 

FURTHER READING

Deuteronomy 7:8-10, Matthew 5:45-48, Romans 13:8-10

ASSIGNMENT

The kingdom of God is a lifestyle that is within people and one of them is the love for God and his people. 

This is the greatest command of God, and when all believers starts living this way, then the Kingdom of God has come down on earth. 

Always think of ways to cherish and love other people around you.