Today's Verse: 1 John 4:21

Wednesday, February 15, 2017

And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love their brother and sister.
Now you can listen to Today's Verse on iTunes, Spotify, Echo devices, and more!

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

For over a week, John has repeatedly reminded us that we MUST love our brothers and sisters in Christ. Today's reminder, however, is the clincher. If we love God, we MUST love his children, our brothers and sisters in Christ. Notice that the word isn't "should love..." or "will try to love..." or "want to love..." No, the word is "MUST!" God's point is clear: Loving each other is not optional, negotiable, or 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 died (Romans 14:15; 1 Corinthians 8:11). As Paul will say to the Corinthians, "God's love compels us" (2 Corinthians 5:14). We MUST love God's children!

My Prayer...

Sovereign Lord, forgive my sometimes selective practice of loving your children. With your grace, I ask you to bless, nourish, and sustain my brothers and sisters in Christ, whether they like me or don't like me, whether they show love to me or seek to harm me. Help me love them more - more fully, more consistently, and more like Jesus. I pray today for several of your children who have great trials and burdens... (Please list some of those you know who need God's help). Empower me through your Spirit to love some who are hard for me to love. Use me to minister to them in tangibly loving ways. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

9 Related Resources by Heartlight

Illustration

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

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, February 15, 2017

A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
"Obedience is the fruit of faith; patience, the bloom on the fruit."
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
"When Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, heard about Jesus, he said to his advisers, "This must be John the Baptist raised from the dead! That is why..."
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
"But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
"Dear Father, grower of spiritual fruit, Let the fruit of the Spirit blossom, mature, and ripen in my life: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,..."

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.