“We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us–and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help?” (I John 3:16 – 17)
There is a part of me that wants to say that laying down our lives for another is the extreme of love, devotion and sacrifice. That Jesus did so many other “small” acts of love that we also should keep in mind. That daily love to all of those around us is just as good as one major act that may cost us our lives. But, that would negate the power of the writer of I John’s message, and I do not want to do that.
“Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. And by this we will know that we are from the truth and will reassure our hearts before him whenever our hearts condemn us; for God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.” (Verses 18 – 20)
I like that the writer of I John makes proviso for the misinformation that our human heart gives us. At least that is my take on the verses. That we might think that we are not acting in truth and out of love. When it is quite the opposite; by taking our measure against the example of Jesus the Christ, and the grace from the Divine, we will realize that we have seen the need and have done all we can to address and soothe that need.
“Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have boldness before God; and we receive from him whatever we ask, because we obey his commandments and do what pleases him. And this is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us.” (Verses 21 – 23)
The word “boldness” should not be understood as audacity or presumptuousness, but that we are confident that we are in-line with the law of love and compassion. And from obedience to that law, we receive blessing. Not as this world understands or defines blessing; rather blessing and peace from the Divine.
“All who obey his commandments abide in him, and he abides in them. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit that he has given us.” (Verse 24)
I do not know how to describe to you, beloved reader, the feeling of having the Holy Presence gently blow and whisper in your heart, spirit, and soul. To feel the love of the Divine carry you through your day. And to sense being in front of the Divine and the Mercy Seat hearing, “Well done good and faith servant.” I hope and pray it has been your experience. And if not yet, very soon. May the mercy, gentleness, and direction of the Divine be in your life; and may you extend to others the compassion it creates in you! Shalom & Selah!
A Simple Desire 
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