Today's Verse: 1 John 4:21

Wednesday, February 15, 2017

And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.
— 1 John 4:21

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

For over a week, John has reminded us again and again. We must love our brothers and sisters in Christ. This reminder, however, is the clincher. If we love God, then we must love his children and our brothers and sisters in Christ. Notice that the word isn't "should" or "will try" or "want to." No, we must. The Bible is careful not to put many "must do" or "thou shalt" commands in Scripture. So God's point is clear. Love of each other is not optional, negotiable, or even something to be delayed. God sent Jesus to die for the sins of all of God's children. How can we not love those for whom Christ gave so much? As Paul will say to the Corinthians, "God's love compels us!" We MUST love.

My Prayer...

Sovereign Lord, forgive my sometimes selective practice of loving your children. I ask you now to bless, to nourish, and to sustain my brothers and sisters in Christ. I want to pray in particular for several of your children who have great trials and burdens... (please list some of those you know who need God's help). In addition, dear Father, please use me to minister to them in tangible ways. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Comments

Archived Facebook Comments

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, February 15, 2017

God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Deep-Spirited Friends' (Ph. 2:1-2)
"If you've gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Worship with a Personal Touch' (Acts 3:7-8)
"Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man's feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. He...."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make..."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Salt!' (Mt. 5:13)
"[Jesus continued:] "You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out..."

Illustration

Illustration of 1 John 4:21 — And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

More Today's Verse