“In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” – 1 John 4:10
Scripture reading: 1 John 1:7-11
If we are ever unsure of God’s love, where should we look? One of my favourite reads is a booklet by Iain Murray entitled, “The Cross: The Pulpit of God’s Love.” He writes there that the cross, “Is a pulpit, from which God proclaims his love to a lost world.” It is a beautiful expression, and it captures the truth of 1 John 4:10 very powerfully.
We cannot grow in expressing or showing love, whether in our homes, our churches, or anywhere else, without knowing the greatness of God’s love for us in Christ. And it’s not merely about knowing God’s love in a generic fashion – John highlights that we must know God’s love in the death of Christ. This is a love that is combined with many other qualities. It is a merciful love. It is an undeserved love. It is a powerful love. It is a transforming love. This and so much more has been given to you in Christ. Growing in your understanding of God’s love in the cross is the key for growing in love for God and others. Remarkably, to become more sanctified we must bask in the beauty of a God who loves sinners, and who has given His Son to be condemned so that they might be saved.
We cannot be stirred up to love without the cross.
Suggestions for prayer
Pray that you might know it well, and walk in the love of God shown there both for you and for others.
Pastor Greg Bylsma is the pastor of the Living Water Reformed Church of Brantford, Ontario (a member church of the URCNA). He is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary and was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 2005. After over 20 years in the ministry, he still loves his job and considers it an incredible honour to be able to teach others about the beauty of Jesus Christ. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.