Lesson 8: Love Deeply in Christ
1 John 3:11-3:17 (ESV) - www.bible.com/bible/59/1jn.3

God’s Words:
“For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. We should not be like Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother's righteous. Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you. We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death. Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.

By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?”

My words:
Loving Father, I praise You for being Love Incarnate … for loving me before I even knew You … for loving me even though you know me completely … that I can love others, even those who are unlovely, with Your love. The world has hated righteousness ever since sin came in – the oldest son of Adam and Eve killed his brother because he was jealous. I know You’ve transferred me from death to life because I love others; You’ve taught me that hate is the same as murder. Please reveal any hatred in my heart toward others so I can confess it and turn from it before it festers and leads to more sin. Replace this hatred with your unconditional love as I pray for this person instead of harboring resentment and unforgiveness against them.

Because Your Son sacrificed His life for me, I want to live sacrificially, and to give to those in need. Show me someone who is needy and what I can give them from all You’ve given me. Instead of being selfish and always wanting more, open my eyes to those who truly are in want. You may meet their needs through me.
In Your lavish love, amen.

*When was the last time you loved a brother or sister in Christ practically and/or sacrificially?