“FUELED BY LOVE”

9 “In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him.”

1 John 4:9

In our previous blog, we learned that love is the natural result of knowing God.

Let’s pick up from where we left off.

In verse 8, John declares that “God is love.” In verse 9 he explains why this is so. God demonstrated this love by sending His Son into the world (John 3:16). God’s ultimate revelation of Himself is seen in Jesus’ earthly ministry, suffering, and death. The term “made manifest” translates from the Greek word “phaneroo,” which literally means “revealed.” This word refers to things that were previously hidden but are now unveiled. Jesus is the final and ultimate revelation of God.

The last part of verse 9 shows the purpose of this statement: “so that we might live through him.” In contrast to the false gods of the Greco-Roman world who were feared to bring death, Jesus Christ brings life to those who trust in Him. To live through Christ means manifesting the love of God and the life of the Messiah.

Christianity is a faith based on love. First, God loved us so much that He sent Jesus to die in our place. Because of love, Jesus gave His life for us. Now, this love unites us in Him. Our loving relationship with God produces love for others—a kind of love we never had before we knew Christ.

For this reason, we have a reason to wake up each morning. We are to tell the world about the love of God and show them that this love is real by loving them sacrificially. We are to do the right thing even when it’s inconvenient or unpopular. We are to take the place of humility when persecuted. We are to walk as Jesus walked. We do this not because we have to but because God’s love fuels our hearts to follow His lead.

In a world of hatred and division, Christianity brings a message of hope and love through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God.

Pursue the Savior today!