Love enters the world of its own accord, for its own reasons. And love is always accompanied by light. That is, love always illuminates the space it occupies.
Watch now for love to enlighten your world. Look to see what new understanding is yours in the presence of love.
Who is it that conquers the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
This is the one who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ, not with the water only but with the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one that testifies, for the Spirit is the truth.
1 John 5:5-6
When John talks about conquering the world, he is talking about overcoming evil; and he says that anyone who believes that Jesus is God’s son does this.
He goes on to say that we know Jesus is God’s son, not because of all the great and mighty things he did, but because he first humbled himself in baptism and then he chose to suffer in death for us. It was Jesus’ humility that showed his greatness, not the other way around.
As Jesus’ disciples, we are called to live as he did. This means that it is humility that makes us great, not over-the-top pride. As you wrap up this week, pay attention to the places in your life where you may need to practice a little more humility.
Nikki Hardeman
Thank you, God, for showing us how to live as your disciples through your son Jesus. Enable me to live as a faithful disciple, loving all of creation and your children in it. Amen.
As a friend of God,
Go now with the gift of love.
Be prepared to receive joy,
For joy is love's result.
And be set free in your faith,
A faith that does not burden you,
But frees you also to love.