Session 1

Where you get the ability to love

From Showing Visible Love: A 7-Day Devotional

“What if I get hurt?”
“What if they take advantage of me?”
“I’ve tried helping before, and it didn’t do any good.”

For all of the reasons we avoid letting people into our lives or getting involved in theirs, John gives us one good reason we should. It’s what God did for each of us.

When we were uninterested in God, He pursued us. God sent His only Son into the world so our sin could be removed and our relationship could be restored (1 John 4:10-12).

When we realize the depth of God’s love, it changes us. We want to spend time with Him, to know Him. We find joy in bringing Him joy. And after a while, we become so familiar with His character that we know what He would say or have us do. Like a couple who has been together for decades, we begin to move in sync with one another (1 John 4:13-15).

That’s why the real test of our love for God is how we treat the people in front of us. God is love. When we are living in step with God, love is what comes out of us. When we love one another, the invisible God reveals Himself to others through us, and His love is made complete.

God knows better than anyone that love can be costly. You might get hurt, and people might take advantage of you. But the way to quiet those fears is not by retreating. We get past the fear of putting ourselves out there by remembering God’s love and choosing to treat others the way He treated us.

Reflect:

• Who were you when you asked Jesus into your life? How has your life changed since then?
• How would you describe the way God has loved you?
• When it comes to loving others that way, are you retreating in fear or reaching out in faith?