(1 John 4:16-18 ESV) So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the Day of Judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.
This morning we continue our series entitled, “Re-Energizing Your Prayer Life.” Last week we looked at “The Reverence factor” and the “The Love Factor.” Today we will close out the discussion on “Love” and transition over to discussing “Fear” as it relates to prayer. This passage will serve as a good bridge between the topics.
John taught a lot about love and I believe it was because he truly understood the love of God. Of the 12 original disciples John was called “The beloved disciple” (John 20:2). Let’s take a closer look at what John said:
So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. Knowing the love is one level, but getting to the point where you truly believe the love is another level altogether. When you believe the love the Father has for you, you are able to get to the point where you are convinced of it. And this conviction is an integral part of your prayer life. Why? Because like I have already stated, “If you ever get to the point where you question God’s love for you, then your prayers will be stripped of any power.”
God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. Love is not something God has, love is literally WHO He is. And since we are in Him (Love), and He (Love) is in us, then it makes sense that love would play a major role in our lives. Questioning God’s love is actually questioning the core of His being. But being convinced of His love is being convinced of His nature. He loves us and the reality of this love enables us to pray with unshakable confidence.
By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the Day of Judgment. Once love is perfected in us, it gives us confidence. Those of us who are convinced of God’s love are not concerned about the Day of Judgment. The reality of God’s love enables us to rest in our salvation. We are not afraid of going to hell, because we are convinced that our God loves us and saved us from our sin when we accepted His Son Jesus as Lord.
Because as he is so also are we in this world. We are supposed to be just like God (Love Himself) in this world. Jesus was God incarnate and we are the continuation of His incarnation. We are to continue what Jesus started. But we can’t impact the world like Jesus did if we don’t pray and if we are not convinced of God’s love for us. We will stop here for today.
So what does this mean to you today? It means that God’s love can and should increase your confidence, your self-image, and your perspective; and all of three of these will help your prayer life.
Closing Confession: Father, I am confident that You love me. As a matter of fact, I am convinced of it. I embrace and believe the love. Since I abide in You and You abide in me, and You are Love Himself, then I declare that Love is perfected in me. I have confidence for the Day of Judgment, because I am sealed by Your Spirit and engulfed in Your love. As You are, so am I in this world. Since You are love, then I will be love to every person I come in contact with. Your love increases my confidence, it helps give me a positive self-image, and an optimistic perspective of today and my future. All these things help fuel my prayers. I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper!
