Day Thirty-Eight
1 John 5:1-3
Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is a child of God, and whoever loves the father loves the son. In this way we know that we love God's children, when we love God and keep his commandments. This is what the love of God is: keeping his commandments.
Reflection
If we love God, we will also love his children, that is, our brothers and sisters in Christ. Sometimes it is difficult to love someone when something about them irritates us, but we must, by the power of the Spirit, love them, pray for them and wish them all God's blessings. The Lord said we must even love our enemies, and pray for those who persecute us. This goes against our natural tendency to retaliate or become bitter.
The test of whether we truly love God is if we keep His commandments. Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my words." The words of the Lord are life-giving and will produce abundant fruit in our lives if we are faithful. God sees all. There is nothing we can hide from Him. We may be able to fool others, but the Lord knows our hearts. He is always there for us, to forgive, bless, heal and strengthen us and help us to truly love Him and one another.
Prayer
O Lord, enflame my cold heart with the warmth of your love. Enable me to truly love You will all my being and love my brothers and sisters as you have loved us.
Amen.
