Begin with 2 minutes of silence and stillness before God.

Take a moment and think about the incredible story of Jesus. Over two thousand years later, billions of people, in many different languages still know the name of Jesus. Why is that? He only lived 33 short years on Earth. He never had any sort of formal education. He was not an elected official or born into an earthly royal family. He had no monetary wealth. There does not seem to be a reason for such popularity.

But the name of Jesus remains today because He is our Savior! 1 John 4:9 says, “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only son into the world that we might live through Him.” This is a love we struggle to comprehend. We all deserve an eternity away from God because of our sin. But God in His infinite wisdom had a plan. He sent Jesus to live a perfect life on earth and to die on the cross to take away our sins. He went through torture and pain He did not deserve so He could take our place. All because He loves us and wants us to spend eternity with Him. All we have to do is believe in Him and repent of our sins.

1 John 4:19 says, “We love because he first loved us.” I am thankful that God first loved me! Jesus’ name will be praised forever because He is the Son of God. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.” John 14:6

What an awesome God we serve! Despite our transgressions, He has given us a way to be with Him forever. He truly loves us and wants a relationship with us. He sacrificed His only Son for us.

Take 2 minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

• Take some quiet time and do what Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God.”
• Take some time to yourself. Be still, no phone, no TV, no work, no one around, and use this time to reflect and praise God and thank Him for His love and for sending His Son, Jesus, to save us. 

Family Devo: 1 John 4

By: Tina Bryant

This chapter talks a lot about love. When I looked at the ESV version, it mentions love, loved, or loves 27 times! Have your mom or dad read the verses for today and count how many times love, loved, or loves is mentioned!

That’s a whole lot of love right there! Why do you think love is mentioned so many times? What did you notice was being said when love was mentioned in these verses? Did anything stick out to you? 

What I know is that when something is repeated it must be important. When I want my kids to remember something, I usually tell them several times, so they won’t forget what I said. 

After reading this chapter, it’s pretty clear that love is really important to God. Verse 11 says, “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” Yesterday we talked about how to love, in deed and in truth. What are some ways your actions can show others you love them?

Prayer: God, I know love is important to You. It’s so important You sent Your Son to die for me. Even though I am not perfect, thank You that Your love is made perfect in me. Use me to show others Your love too.