Devotion - Tuesday, May 2

I John 4 serves as the text for a popular camp song. "Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God, and he who loves is born of God and known God."

The chapter goes on and repeats in a variety of ways Jesus' command to love one another.

This ought not require such a long explanation, or such repetition.  Isn't is simple (and easy) to love one another?

Well, if we are honest, it is neither simple or easy.  But it is of God.

We too quickly find ourselves at odds with others.   We too quickly allow small differences to become stumbling blocks.  

Where there is love among us, it is easy to note the benefits and the joy which follows.

As the text of I John 4 tells us, if we find it difficult to love our sisters and brothers, we will find it difficult to love God and to be able to receive God's love.  There are no conditions on God's love; the matter is being open to that love which transforms us and insists that we become caught up in a series of loving relationships.  God's love is of the type that is experienced and received in the act of sharing.

In may ways, I am preaching to the choir.  The reason you are on this listserve is because we have experienced and shared the love of which I John speaks.  For that, I give thanks.  Let's find ways to broaden this circle of love and care.  Seek ways to express this love in ever increasing circles.  It makes the world a wonderful place to live.