If I had a dime for every time I had to read that! However, every now and then, a letter is so compelling, so encouraging, so inspiring, we have to read it over and over…like this one.
This letter is not a "Dear John" letter at all. In fact, it’s a "From John" letter. We find it near the end of the Bible and it’s one of 3 letters that the Apostle John wrote. Someone creatively named these letters, First John, Second John and…you guessed it…Third John. For the next few weeks we’ll be focusing on what John focuses on in his first letter, LOVE. Our series, “What’s Love Got To Do With It?” begins this weekend here at Community. First John is a quick read, so go through it before the weekend and have your heart and mind ready to learn from God throughout this series.
Love is the greatest change agent of all time so, here's what I'd like you to do. Comment below on a way in which God’s love has truly transformed your life. Let me know...how has it changed you???
4 comments so far
I was sitting here at home watching "7th Heaven" today. The episode was about a Marine that lost his life delivering supplies to our troops about a year after 9-11. The Marine lost his life for our freedom.
Then I looked at this blog and thought what has God done to transform my life. There are many things that come to mind. Mostly that he took on flesh and died for me. God loves me so much that even though I am a sinner, he has taken on that sin. I am so blessed with my wife and family. I am so blessed with my sobriety (over 19 years). My daughter has never had to see me as a drunk. I know that God placed me in a rehab where I spent 60 days getting to know Him through the twelve steps. I was given a chance to really know Him. I still struggle to know Him more, but He's given me that chance too.
He allowed me to go to school (and even complete my BS). I am still seeking employment that uses that education, but He has it all in His control.
John
I'm so excited for this series! I know God will use this as He has all that is being taught at Community to touch the lives of others!
When Jesus was asked "How much do you love me?" He answered by stretching out His arms and dying for us. "Greater Love has no man than he lay down his life for his friends!" We as christians are called to do this daily, as we lay aside our own wants, hopes and desires and focus on what God would have us do.
Right now in my life there is much drama as my sister and her husband are having a very difficult time in their marriage. I'm going to forward your message to her every week until she is willing to come to church and hear for herself all the wonderful things God has to say to her through his servants. Part of love is discipline, and although it doesn't feel good, we know what God's word says, and that it's a necessary and vital part of His plan- "I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil".
God is good, and His mercies endures forever! Thanks for reminding us all of this!
it is scary for me to acknowledge what i am about to - but it is a concrete example (for me) of one way GOD's love has changed me: once upon a time, i carried some extreme prejudice toward certain nations that (i felt) were immigrating to the US in order to undermine our nation's foundations. no need to go into detail, but the hardness and animosity that once existed in me has gradually been replaced by a prayerful attitude, and i have His love for them, in me. hope this is in line with the question.
Dear John,
I have endured a life of abuse in many ways. In exploring GODS' Word, and Knowing as a mother that God sent His one and only Son to die on the cross for my sins and realize that? WOW! I have 3 sons and a daughter. I love them all very dearly. I have sacrificed my entire adult life for them. I pray God's blessings on them. But would I give my blood, my child, my flesh for another? I don't know. Maybe when I am even more mature in my walk with Christ.