12-2-20 THOUGHTS

There is a certain simpleness in the book of 1John.  The profound place of love in God’s social design for His creation permeates the book.  No wonder “the greatest of these is love”, and “love never fails”.  (1Cor 13 end)   Love drives out the self, and that is good.  Petty treatments of others (malicious judging) are not consistent with GOD’S LOVE FOR US IN CHRIST JESUS!  Judgment is God’s job, not ours.
Rom 14:7-13    For not one of us lives for himself, and not one dies for himself; 8  for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. 9  For to this end Christ died and lived again, that He might be Lord both of the dead and of the living. 10  But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. 11  For it is written, "AS I LIVE, SAYS THE LORD, EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW TO ME, AND EVERY TONGUE SHALL GIVE PRAISE TO GOD." 12  So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God. 13  Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this — not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way.
Matt 18:6    but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.
Gal 5:13-15   For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14  For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF." 15  But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.
1John 4:19-21    We love, because He first loved us. 20  If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. 21  And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also.
Two types of behavior are discussed above.  One is embarrassingly dangerous and breaks down growth and relationship and faith.  The other is simply wonderful and natural in God’s design for His creation.  We are created to love!  
1Pet 1:22   Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart,
John 13:35   "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."

My Prayer:
Father of all creation, help us to love as you have loved us.  Thank you for Jesus and the love of the cross.  May we see your great love so fully that we will live in love.  Help us to know the joy of love and may the world see our loving of each other and know that it comes from you.  May all the glory be yours Oh God.       

In Jesus blessed name              Amen