1 John 4:13–21 (ESV)
God is Love
13 By
this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and
he in God. 16 So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. 17 By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because
as he is so also are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. 19 We love because he first loved us. 20 If anyone says, “I love
God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. 21 And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.
As Christians, we stand for love, not anger or hatred. This should not be found in us. We are defined by love. “If anyone say, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not
love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.” In our liturgy during worship is the sharing of the peace. This is a time when we are about to go to the Lord’s table to receive communion, that is... the body
and blood of Christ. How can we go to the table with hatred. How can we expect to receive forgiveness when we are not willing to forgive? This is a time where we are to come together in love, to share in communion. If you harbor a grudge
or hatred towards a brother, this is the time to go and settle before communion. To shake hands and share the peace, before you go to communion. John writes “15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in
God. 16 So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.”
We pray: O Lord, your love for me is
overwhelming. My love for you comes from the love you have for me. Help me to grow in my love for you and to always confess that you are the Son of God. Thank you for your love. Amen.