Read 1 JOHN 3:11–18 NAS

For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. We should not be like Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother’s righteous. Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you. We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death. Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. 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? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.

Read Chapter One from Note to Self by Joe Thorn.

We all learned enough scripture to know that we are to selflessly love others and to passionately love God. There are days when we feel like we did very well at both and there are weeks when we totally fail the love standard.

The gospel not only saves us for all eternity, but it also daily empowers us to love. One of the reasons our failure rate is so high is because we fail to rehearse or preach the gospel to ourselves.

But for love to continue and grow, and for you to love the unlovable, it is important that you meditate on the gospel. Get this—you only know what love really is by looking to your Savior. And we learn it from him continually, not just once. You must daily go to the cross and see your Savior’s love for the unlovable (that means you). You must learn, relearn, and remember your Savior’s love and sacrifice for the wicked, the rebellious, the black-hearted—for people like you. Thorn, Joe. Note to Self (pp. 35-36). Crossway. Kindle Edition.

Reflections:

• Remembering that Christ laid down is life for you changes everything. Take a moment now to speak truth to yourself. 1) You need Jesus. 2) You have no eternal hope apart from Christ. 3) On your own, you are powerless to sin and temptation. 4) Jesus forgives you, loves you, and never leaves you.

• Think back ... remember a real-life moment or situation when you experienced Christ's love. More than abstract comprehension or routine knowledge, recall a time when the Lord broke through with his love and wowed you.

• Lift up in prayer praise and thanksgiving for how Jesus has loved you.

Please write a brief encouraging comment below. Thank you. Pastor John

Permission granted for use by Author Joe Thorn.