WE ARE LOVE AND CHOSEN BY GOD
SCRIPTURE:
“The elder, To the lady chosen by God and to her children, whom I love in the truth—and not I only, but also all who know the truth— 2 because of the truth, which lives in us and will be with us forever: 3 Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in truth and love.” (2 John 1:1—3)
OBSERVATION:
The elder wrote a personal letter to the lady chosen by God and her children. This is someone John the writer loves in the truth, but also all who know the truth. This personal letter reveals the importance of connection, encouragement, and what makes the Christian relationship special and unique. John’s greetings mentioned aspects of Christians’ relationship with each other and God.
Firstly, we are all CHOSEN BY GOD. The central core of any of our relationships as believers is the fact that God has chosen us. Jesus echoes this same truth when he speaks to his disciples, saying; You did not choose me; I chose you. God chose to select those who acknowledge him as their God.
Secondly, believers’ relationship is based on LOVE IN TRUTH. This is the foundation of all Christian relationships. LOVE IN TRUTH AND KNOW THE TRUTH is what makes the experience special. John furthermore stresses that TRUTH lives in a believer’s life and will be with us forever. The truth lives in us and will be with us forever. Jesus said I am the way, the truth, and life. What a blessing to be reminded that the TRUTH will be us forever.
And to further drive the point of the uniqueness of our relationship, John brings in the thoughts of what enables this fantastic relationship that will last forever. GRACE, MERCY, AND PEACE FROM GOD THE FATHER AND JESUS CHRIST, THE FATHER’S SON, WILL BE WITH US IN TRUTH AND LOVE. Grace, mercy, and peace make our relationship possible with the truth that lives in us forever.
What a blessed relationship we have with the Father and Jesus that is extended to us in TRUTH AND LOVE. Love as just as emotion is unhealthy. It changes all the time. It always depends on how I feel today or the next day. I can love anything I want without any accountability. But love with truth keeps my life stable and balanced. Love helps me see things as they are, even if I don’t like them. Truth lives in me. Love must never be based on lies but must be founded on truth.
APPLICATION:
I sometimes forget that love is not just how I feel; it is much deeper than feeling. I am reminded of this fantastic relationship with God the father and Jesus our Lord based on grace, mercy, and peace. I am committed to loving others in truth and knowing the truth of Jesus in my daily life. I will continue to live my life daily as someone chosen and loved by God.
PRAYER:
Jesus, I am grateful for the reminder of your word that I am chosen and loved by the Father. Thank you for opening my eyes to the truth of loving others in truth and knowing that you are the truth in all of my relationships. Help me never love with how I feel, but with your truth. Teach me to know your love in-depth for me. I thank you for your grace, mercy, and peace toward me daily. I am grateful, Amen!
