“Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. 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.”
1 John 4:15-16 (ESV)
Abiding love. It’s God’s story. It’s the Christian’s story. It’s a gritty story.
Have you noticed that most of us post happy photos and thoughts about ourselves on social media? We try to paint ourselves as extraordinarily beautiful, successful, and happy. The world’s hopes and dreams, and the world’s values.
Do we talk about who we are in God on social media?
God lives in those who openly acknowledge that Jesus is God’s Son.
God is love … Are we abiding in His love?
Abiding in love. The word “abide” means to continue, to last, to endure. The word “agape” refers to divine love, a love that gives itself away. When we abide in love, we continually give ourselves away.
Jesus is our example. His love led Him to the cross. Stephen’s story led him to a stoning. Paul’s story led him to beatings and prisons. Our stories lead us to trials.
In this world.
But for the joy that was set before Jesus … but for the joy that was set before Stephen and Paul … but for the joy that was set before you and me. Jesus endured the cross. Stephen and Paul endured. You and I endure. The story is not over.
We abide in the love of God. One day, we will see Jesus face-to-face. But for the joy set before us, we endure. Our home is not here. Our home is eternity with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. We abide in love.
Abiding love. That’s God’s story, and it’s our story. It’s a gritty love.
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Love never gives up. Love never fails. Love is eternal life with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
God is love … God abides in Jesus … God abides in us …
We abide in love.
Oh God, Your lovingkindness endures forever. Our love is imperfect. It’s like a baby’s cry for milk. But Your love nourishes for eternity. Your love abides in Your children. Grow our love more like Your love, a love that nourishes others and brings glory to You. Amen.
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