Daily Bible Reading Thursday 23rd July 2020
1 John 3:16–24
16 By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. 17 But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? 18 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.
19 By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; 20 for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything. 21 Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; 22 and whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him. 23 And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. 24 Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God,1 and God2 in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us.
(ESV)
Teaching by Rev. William Moody
Love is here presented as a sign to give assurance of Faith (v19-21). Our hearts reveal so much about who we are, but the work of God’s Spirit creates a new love within which assures of salvation.
“Yes, we are imperfect. Our own hearts cry out for a more consistent Christ-like love, but that does not destroy our assurance; it confirms it.” (D. Jackman)
Love is not a feeling but obedience to God’s commands (v22; see 1 Corinthians 13). Love is determining to do the right thing for others no matter how we feel.
Faith and love have to flow together (v23). Trusting in Jesus who has shown such amazing love has to move the believer on in a life of love.
Love is a sign of abiding in God and God in us (v24). The Holy Spirit uses this to confirm we are God’s children. Abiding in the Lord; follows on from Jesus’ teaching about the vine and abiding for fruitfulness (John 15). Love comes not from mere effort but from a deepening and developing relationship with Christ (see 4 v7). How do you measure up to the love test? Pray about this!