Devotion - Loving Others is God's Love in Us - 1John 4:11

 Devotion - Loving Others is God's Love in Us

1John 4:11
"Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another."

Introduction:
John’s heartfelt address reminds us that God’s love is both the foundation and fuel for our calling to love others. This verse invites us to live as conduits of divine grace, reflecting our identity as His children.

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1. The Foundation: Tasting God’s Love First

“We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19).
Before we can love others, we must taste the love of God ourselves. Just as a well can’t pour out water unless it’s filled, we cannot authentically love others until we’ve received and internalized God’s unconditional love. This love is experienced through His forgiveness, presence, and sacrifice (Romans 5:8). When we abide in His love (John 15:9-10), it overflows naturally into our relationships.

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2. The Obligation: “We Ought to Love”

The Greek opheilomen (“ought”) highlights a sacred duty born of grace. We don’t love to earn God’s favor, but because we’ve already received it. Our love for others is a testimony of our identity in God (John 13:34-35). Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Our love isn’t just kindness—it’s a declaration that we belong to Him.

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3. The Nature of Christian Love: A Mark of Discipleship

• Sacrificial: Like Jesus, we lay down our preferences, time, and pride (Philippians 2:5-7).
• Intentional: Love seeks the good of others, even when inconvenient (Luke 10:25-37).
• Identity-Forming: Loving others isn’t just an action—it’s proof of our transformed hearts. As we mirror God’s love, we embody His family likeness (1 John 3:1).

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4. Practical Steps to Live Out Love

• Abide in God’s Love: Start each day reflecting on His grace. Ask, “How has God loved me today?”
• Pray for Open Eyes: Identify someone the world deems “unworthy” and serve them.
• Love Boldly: Follow Jesus’ command in John 13:34-35. Let love be your spiritual “ID card.”

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Application Questions:

1. Receiving Love: When have you felt deeply loved by God? How does this memory empower you to love others?
2. Identity Check: Do your actions toward others reflect your identity as God’s child? Where is growth needed?
3. Visible Testimony: Who in your life needs to experience God’s love through you this week? What specific step will you take?

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Overcoming Challenges:
When love feels costly, remember: “His divine power has given us everything we need” (2 Peter 1:3). Lean into the Spirit, not your strength.

Closing Prayer:
Father, saturate my heart with Your love so deeply that it spills into every relationship. Make my life a testimony that I am Yours. Amen.

Challenge:
This week, intentionally love someone who cannot repay you. Let it be a quiet act of worship, declaring, “I am His disciple.”

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p.s. This post is the result of interaction with DeepSeek.R1.

The Cure for the Aging and Depressed - Psalm 103:1-5

Psalm 103:1-5

Scripture:
"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from destruction, who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s." (Psalm 103:1-5, NKJV)

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Reflection:

Psalm 103 is a powerful song of praise, written by David, that calls us to remember and celebrate God’s faithfulness. These verses are deeply personal—David is speaking to his own soul, stirring himself to worship and reminding himself of God’s goodness. We are to do the same if we want to uplift our spirits.

1. A Call to Wholehearted Worship (v. 1-2)

We are to praise the Lord with our entire being. Depression comes from focusing on our selves. Let's shift focus to God. Move from self pity or self condemn to praising God.

• "Bless the Lord, O my soul..." Worship isn’t just an outward act; it must flow from the depths of our hearts. True worship involves every part of us—our thoughts, emotions, and will.

• "Forget not all His benefits..." Human nature is prone to forgetfulness, especially in difficult times. David urges himself (and us) to recall God’s past faithfulness to fuel present praise.

2. Five Benefits of God’s Love (v. 3-5)

Remember these five incredible blessings that God bestows upon His children:

• Forgiveness – "Who forgives all your iniquities..." The greatest blessing is the complete removal of our sin through Christ (1 John 1:9). No guilt should hold us back when God has pardoned us. Tell you voice of accusation that God, through Christ's sacrifice, had completely forgiven and paid in full for my wrongdoings.

• Healing – "Who heals all your diseases..." God is our Healer—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Even when healing doesn’t come as we expect, His grace sustains us. Speak to your sickness and pains that God has sent His healing. Receive your healing now.

• Redemption – "Who redeems your life from destruction..." God rescues us from sin’s power and eternal death. We were once lost, but now we are saved (1 Peter 1:18-19).

• Love and Mercy – "Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies..." God not only saves us but also bestows upon us His steadfast love (hesed) and compassion. Know and feel that we are loved by the utmost and highest God. We address Him as our Heavenly Father.

• Satisfaction and Renewal – "Who satisfies your mouth with good things..." God provides for our needs and renews our youth and strength, like an eagle soaring on fresh wings (Isaiah 40:31).

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Application:

• Praise God intentionally. Like David, stir up your soul to worship, even when you don’t feel like it.

• Remember His faithfulness. Make a list of God’s blessings in your life—answered prayers, provision, and protection.

• Trust in His promises. Whatever you face today, God is still your Forgiver, Healer, Redeemer, and Provider.

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Prayer:

"Lord, thank You for Your endless blessings. Forgive me for the times I forget Your goodness. Help me to worship You with all my heart and to live in gratitude for all You’ve done. Renew my strength and fill me with Your peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen."

May this passage remind you of God’s unchanging love and inspire you to live a life of praise! 🙌