Transformed by Love: A Journey to Union with God
Scripture Passage
Beloved, let us love one another,
because love is of God;
everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God.
Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love.
In this way the love of God was revealed to us:
God sent his only-begotten Son into the world
so that we might have life through him.
In this is love:
not that we have loved God, but that he loved us
and sent his Son as expiation for our sins.
Grace Prayed For
Grace to be a channel of God’s love: Pray for the grace to be a conduit of God’s love in the world. Ask for opportunities to share His love with those around you, through acts of service, words of encouragement, and a compassionate presence.
Reflection
This passage from 1 John unveils a profound truth: love is the very essence of God, and the pathway to our glorification. It’s not a sentimental emotion, but a powerful force that transforms us from within, leading us to a deeper union with God and ultimately, to our eternal destiny.
“Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God.” This is a gentle yet urgent call to action, reminding us that love is not optional for Christians, but the defining characteristic of our faith. It’s the air we breathe, the lifeblood that flows through our veins, connecting us to God and to each other.
“Everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God.” Love is not merely a human emotion, but a divine gift, a participation in the very nature of God. When we love, we are born anew, our hearts awakened to the reality of God’s presence within us. Love becomes the lens through which we see the world, revealing the divine spark in every person.
“Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love.” This stark statement challenges us to examine our hearts. Are we truly living in love? Or are we allowing fear, anger, and resentment to cloud our vision and separate us from God? To know God is to love, and to love is to know God. There is no separation between the two.
“In this way the love of God was revealed to us: God sent his only-begotten Son into the world so that we might have life through him.” This is the ultimate expression of love, the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. It’s a love that knows no bounds, a love that gives everything for the sake of the beloved. Through Jesus, we are offered the gift of eternal life, a life rooted in love and overflowing with joy.
“In this is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as expiation for our sins.” Our love for God is a response to His prior love for us. It’s a love that flows from gratitude, a love that seeks to reciprocate the immeasurable gift of salvation. This is the key to our glorification: to allow ourselves to be loved by God, to be transformed by His grace, and to become vessels of His love in the world.
This passage in 1 John invites us to a deeper intimacy with God, a love relationship that shapes our very being and leads us to our ultimate fulfillment. It’s a reminder that love is not just a feeling, but a choice, a commitment to live in the light of God’s love and to share that love with others. As we embrace this love, we embark on a journey of transformation, a journey that leads us to our glorification in Christ.
Growing in Intimacy/Union with Jesus
Recognizing Love as a Source of Knowledge: “Everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God.” Love isn’t just an action; it’s a pathway to knowing God intimately. As we actively love others, we open ourselves to a deeper experience of God’s presence within us and within others. This growing knowledge of God fuels our intimacy with Jesus.
Daily Scripture Reflection
When Time Allows Reflect on the Posts in Library and Musings
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post