GOD IS LOVE Devotion 34 of 34 The fact that "God is love" is not so much intended to define God Himself, as to identify where He is found among men. The ultimate display of this reality – namely, that "God is love" – is seen in the sending of the Lord Jesus Christ. Two times John affirms this truth: "God is love" (1 John 4:8,16). In the first instance, the affirmation is a conclusion: "He that loveth not knoweth not God; FOR GOD IS LOVE." In the second, it is a sort of proposition: "God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him." – Tomorrow: NEW SERIES –
"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 4:9,16)
This is not at all the way the human intellect would approach the subject. Men tend to affirm "God is love," and then set out to prove that is the case. However, that is not the Spirit's approach at all. This is not something that needs to be proved. The affirmation of it establishes its truth, and it needs no further support.
The conclusions of the Spirit are based upon this truth – "God is love." The first conclusion is this. In view of the fact that God is love, the individual who is not himself loving does not know God. It makes no difference how precise that person may be in the technicalities of living. The fact of the matter is that the one who does not love does not know God. That is a most serious matter, for all who "know not God" are targeted for the vengeance of the Lord Jesus. When He is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, He will do so in "flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that know not God . . . who will be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and the glory of His power" (2 Thess 1:7-9).
Secondly, the person who dwells in love, being at home in that preferred environment, dwells in God, and God dwells in him. However difficult that may be to receive, it is the truth, and will be duly recognized in the day of the Lord.
Texts of this magnitude are to be believed and pondered. They leave no room for doubt, clearly defining the parameters of life in the Spirit. If embraced by faith, the Lord Jesus will express Himself to His people through us. The Holy Spirit will minister to them through us. If we are laborers together with God in the succor of His people, we will surely be blessed abundantly by Him in the last day.
Now, set your mind to not only love God, but those who have been born of God. Seek their welfare. Minister to their needs. Lift them up when they are fallen. Tell them of the homeland, and of the soon coming of their Lord.
Count the people of God as your closest friends, for they are that, indeed. Their names are, with yours, written in the Lamb's book of life, and your destiny is to dwell with them in the house of the Lord forever. May you be an advantage to the people of God!
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You for the sweet company of Your people. Help me to especially do good unto them.