"We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us – and we ought to lay down our lives for one another."
1 JOHN 3:16 (NRSV)
PRODIGAL THOUGHTS: What if this verse was all you had to share with someone who doesn’t know Jesus? If we didn’t have any other written words of the bible, how would you explain the gospel of Jesus Christ? For me, just using this one verse as a snapshot, it tells me that we never experience true, life-changing love until we begin to understand and live out the example of Jesus by sacrificing our lives for others. It is out of the giving that we are then refilled with love. That might be stretching the intent of the verse a bit, but when you read the other verses in 1 John, it makes sense. I know that I have been loved by my parents, my family, and friends. I know that I’m loved by my wife and my kids. That being said, God’s love is life-giving. When we are loved correctly by others, we are encouraged, given guidance (as needed), and are willing to do our best. But when God loves you, and you REALLY know that you are loved by the God of the universe, EVERYTHING changes! You aren’t just encouraged…you are empowered. You aren’t just given guidance…you are given a purpose and desire to follow God’s path. You aren’t just willing to do your best…you are willing to surrender your life for a life lived in servitude to Jesus Christ. Are you ready to live a life like that? A life laid down for your friends or even strangers for that matter. Join me on the journey…
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God’s grace on you…
Prodigal Thinker 