GOD IS LOVE Devotion 15 of 34 "No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us." (1 John 4:12) – Tomorrow:
"He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love . . . God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him." (1 John 4:8,16)
In this series of devotions, it is possible that some might wonder why I am saying so much about loving one another, when the subject is "God is love." It is because this is precisely the way in which John unfolds the subject. "He that loveth not knoweth not God; FOR GOD IS LOVE . . . GOD IS LOVE; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him" (1 John 4:8,16). In approaching the subject in this way, the Spirit lifts it from the domain of philosophy and heartless theology into the realm of life – spiritual life. Who God IS impacts directly upon the manner in which we live, and particularly in relation to our attitude toward His people. When we are dealing with the Person of the Almighty God, we dare not lapse into mere academia and heartless speculation.
"God is love" is like a life-giving reality that permeates the community of all those who believe. It is of such magnitude that believers can actually measure their own involvement in salvation by whether or not they love God's people. Here is something that supersedes theological positions, and it is so addressed in Scripture. Some would have Jesus saying, "By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye hold fast to the proper theological position." However, Jesus said the means by which our relationship to Him would be known is this: "if ye have love one to another" (John 13:35). Others might bolster their personal confidence by reasoning they must have passed from death unto life because at last they have embraced the right doctrinal view on this or that. However the Spirit says, "We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren" (1 John 3:14).
I realize some will charge me with minimizing proper doctrine, but nothing could be further from the truth. The elevation of brotherly love does not minimize doctrine. Rather, it is itself integral to "the doctrine of Christ." Doctrine is of NO personal value if we disregard or despise the people of God. The rich wine of truth cannot be held in the dry wineskins of hatred and division among the saints. Those who do not love the people of God are not dwelling in God, and do not hold the truth of God. They are in a state of deception, "for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?" (1 John 4:20, NKJV). This does have some startling ramifications.
Remember, the point being made by the Spirit is not intended to create doubt, but to confirm we have eternal life. That is why John later says, "These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life" (1 John 5:13, NKJV). He knows we will not be able to face our adversary doubting whether or not we are accepted by God, or not knowing if we are reconciled to Him. He will therefore draw our attention to solid evidence of our sonship. It will be something of supreme worth, ranking high on the scale of spiritual values.
Note that the Spirit does not say, "If we are flawless in our perceptions," or "If we have never sinned," or "If we have no need to be chastised." The test must be something at the foundation level – something that will enable us to make recovery where needed, and advance toward the "the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Phil 3:14). "Sound doctrine" makes no allowance for the child of God to remain in spiritual infancy or retain attitudes and manners that are unacceptable to God. Where a lack of spiritual growth is found, or unacceptable dispositions and deeds are maintained, "sound doctrine" has not been embraced. Either it has been heard and rejected, or it is not being heard at all.
"IF we love one another . . . " This is no casual statement, and must not be viewed as though it is. Our acceptance of and attraction to the people of God are pivotal points upon which our eternal destiny is suspended. We know this is true because of the conclusions revealed in that love. Lest we underrate loving the brethren, we are told that God Himself teaches us to love them. "Now as to the love of the brethren, you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another" (1 Thess 4:9). Therefore, where the brethren of Jesus are not loved, the people have not been taught by God. Such a condition contradicts the prophets and the Lord Jesus Christ. "It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me (John 6:45). How great the evidence, therefore, that loving the brethren yields, for to be "taught by God" is itself evidence of His acceptance.
Let it be clear that the expression "the brethren" refers to those related to Christ and God. They are Christ's brothers because they have been begotten by God. Thus it is written, "For both He that sanctifieth [Jesus] and they who are sanctified are all of One [the Father]: for which cause He [Jesus] is not ashamed to call them brethren" (Heb 2:11). Thus Jesus, when speaking to Mary Magdalene after His resurrection, said, "I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God" (John 20:17). Because the saints are "sons of God" (1 John 3:1-2), they are brethren to each others. As Jesus said to His disciples, "one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren" (Matt 23:8).
We are not speaking here of denominational affiliation, the adoption of a creedal statement, or conformity to a perceived code or rule of conduct. This is NOT limited to people who attend the same fellowship as you do. It refers to the household of faith, wherever they are found, and under whatever circumstances they are revealed. Such relationships begin where we are, but they expand to all other places also.
When our text says "IF we love one another," it refers to you and every child of God, wherever they may be, and particularly where you are now. A lack of this love is responsible for a good part of the division that exists within the body of Christ.
PRAYER POINT: Father, I do want to love Your people and be a source of edification to them. In the name of Jesus, I ask that You teach me to love all those whom You have received.