Monday Meditation

[1Jo 3:13-21 KJV] 13 Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you. 

Based on the increase of evil being called good and good being called evil this is going to be reality from this point forward.  We are in good company though because Christ was hated because His light showed the darkness of the world.

14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not [his] brother abideth in death. 

But continue to love, no matter what.  Evil is overcome by good and love covers a multitude of sin.  We can hate sin but not the people who commit sin because they do so in ignorance.

15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.

Hate devalues others made in God's image.  When we hate, we are no better than Cain, the first murderer. 

16 Hereby perceive we the love [of God], because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down [our] lives for the brethren. 

Why do Christians, myself included, not go out of their way for others.  Is it because we are afraid that we will receive nothing in return.  I am persuaded that even if no earthly person acknowledges our service and sacrifice, God sees it and will reward it during our eternal life.  So be unafraid to lay up those treasures in heaven because you can not out give our God.

17 But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels [of compassion] from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 

Do not fear when taking on another's problems...you may become the hands of God witnessing to those you help.

18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

All we do and say must bring Him glory...that is our purpose in this life, now and eternally. 

19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. 

Serving Him is the best feeling in the world.

20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. 

Sometimes we can feel that our efforts fall short but God is generous and gracious in acknowledging His children's best that they can do.

21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, [then] have we confidence toward God.

Isn't confidence in our relationship with God something we want?  If so, follow the guidance of the verses above!