John has long been described as the Apostle of Love. Unless I miscounted sometime ago, that word “love” can be found 52 times in the Epistle of 1 John. I have to believe that the title accorded Him is justified.
First John 2:3-5 says: “By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him:”
Jesus Christ was LOVE. Every aspect of love was demonstrated during His earthly ministry. When hanging on the cross, his words: “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34) As I mentioned in the title of the portion we have selected… “He was a contradiction!”
Everything that we know of Jesus was totally out of character of the average person. He was the fulfillment of what had been said in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son…” What we saw in the Father was epitomized in God the Son…LOVE.
If we reflect on the 4th verse we discover that if “I have come to know Him,” He transfers His love to me so that I will then show His love through me. If that action is not in effect I need to understand that I am a liar and that the truth is not in me. If I have received Him, His love will now permeate every necessity of my life and I will show the love that He now occupies.
We often speak of the difference between the professing and the possessing of the Lord Jesus. Reception of Him (Christ) will be accompanied by actions permeated with love!
A word that I neglected to mention was “propitiation”. When Christ was crucified, God the Father was satisfied, and a reception of HIM produces sanctification.
Love in us personified Him and what His love represents! Love reflects LOVE!
-Ted
ETCetera 