Today's Verse: 1 John 4:20-21

Friday, January 14, 2022

If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother."

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Love! The word can mean anything. Many in the Christian community have tried to define it by a dictionary or lexicon, not realizing the key word for love, agape, is defined by action. Before Christians got a hold of agape, it meant the same thing our word today does: just about anything! But if you read 1 John, you see what love is by what God does. God demonstrates his love. He asks us to do the same for our brothers and sisters. Love must be more than talk; it must be genuinely demonstrated in action!

My Prayer...

Precious Father, you have so graciously shared your love with me. I must confess, in my heart I intend to love others as you do, but my intentions often get washed away with "busy-ness" or timidity. Father, through your Spirit, prompt me to show my love to others in actions rather than just thought and talk. Through Jesus, your greatest demonstration of love I pray. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

14 Related Resources by Heartlight

Illustration

Illustration of 1 John 4:20-21 — If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Friday, January 14, 2022

A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
"A few days [after Paul's initial defense,] Felix came back with his wife, Drusilla, who was Jewish. Sending for Paul, they listened as he told them....."
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
""To whom be glory for ever." This should be the single desire of the Christian. All other wishes must be subservient and tributary to this one. The..."
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
"So now, revere the Lord. Serve him honestly and faithfully. Put aside the gods that your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates and in Egypt and serve...."
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
"Our circumstances are not an accurate reflection of God's goodness. Whether life is good or bad, God's goodness, rooted in His character, is the same."

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.