Scripture Union Daily Guide 27 June 2020
God’s love and ours
May the meditation of my heart be acceptable unto you, O Lord as I read from your word.
1 John 4:7–21
Reflection
• What does the passage teach about God the Father, God the Son or God the Holy Spirit?
• Is there any command for me to obey?
Scripture Union Daily Guide 27 June 2020
Look at the contrast in v.7 and v.8. God showed his love for humankind by sending his only Son into the world to give us eternal life through him (vv.9–10; cf. John 3:16). Notice how this should challenge us to reciprocate the same love to others (v.11)? In fact, we owe love as a debt to others in appreciation of the love God showed towards us (Romans 13:8). Loving one another is a sure proof that we truly love God (v.12).
God loved us when we were unlovable (cf. Romans 5:8). Find other reasons why we should love each other (vv.12–13; see also Romans 5:5–6). Read v.15 again and identify the proof that we are abiding in God and he in us. According to v.16, what are we expected to know and believe about God’s love for us? Note why God’s love is perfected in us (v.17); why we should love God (v.19) and the acid test of our love for God (vv.20–21).
⁂ Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Practice/Word Application
• So then: If you have the love of God in your heart, how are you showing this love to those around you? Let James 2:15–17 be your guide. Are you known for your charitable deeds? Let love be your watchword always.
Prayer Points
• Turn v.17 into prayer for yourself and other Christians.
• Pray and commit the work and studies of the coming week into God’s hand.
• Offer a prayer of faith in line with Exodus 4:12
Read the Bible in one Year
Deut. 4–6; Acts 2:1–21