Let me simplify. That’s how I learn and internalize important information. In Oklahoma, where I grew up, there are some things that must go together: Biscuits and gravy, Bacon and eggs, garden green beans, new potatoes, with a little bacon thrown in, fried chicken after church, known as the “gospel bird” of choice. The list goes on and on. You probably have your own list of “go-togethers”. Mm. It’s sad mine is all about food. But when I think of home, I think of my grandma’s cooking. Maybe because I don’t cook like that anymore. We are trying to be healthy!

In God’s Word, our attention is focused on God and love, by John, the beloved disciple of Jesus Christ. The two cannot be separated! In fact, John’s three letters provide wonderfully explicit direction in how this works. Jesus, the Messiah, is the focus: Jesus provide the full and true understanding of God; Jesus shows us the mature working-out of love. In Jesus, God and love are linked accurately, intricately, and indissolubly.

People want to make up their own idea of God, make up their own style of love. John was a pastor who had some of these people in his churches. His letters reestablish the original and organic unity of God and love that comes to focus and becomes available to us in Jesus Christ.

GOD AND LOVE…
“Every person who believes that Jesus is, in fact, the Messiah, is God-begotten. If we love the One who conceives the child, we’ll surely love the child who was conceived. The reality test on whether or not we love God’s children is this: Do we love God? Do we keep his commands? The proof that we love God comes when we keep his commandments and they are not at all troublesome.”
1 John 4, Msg

“LOVE GOD, LOVE OTHERS” –Jesus Revolutionary. Counter-culture. Can’t have one without the other. Showing God’s love in us and through us to others brings dignity to the world’s unlovable. Love God, love others. Amazing Love!

Dear Heavenly Father, You get our attention every time we open and read Your Word with a desire to love like You love. Thank you for Your continual teaching that helps us to grow and mature in Your love. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit again today and help us be alert to ways we can love others like you love us. Thank you, Lord.
In Jesus Name, Amen