What should be the result of God’s love to you? What are the two basic tests for knowing that God abides in your life? What are the effects of love in a person’s life? What is the source of this love?

As we use the questions for reflection and read 1 John 4:7-21, we will focus on the fact that love originates from God and is revealed in His Son who was sent as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Love transcends time and space. Since God loved us so much, we are called to love one another, so God’s love reaches its full expression in us.

The result of God’s love is that we ought to love one another (v. 11). When we love one another, God’s love is perfected in us. There are two basic tests for knowing that God abides in our life. One is that the Spirit of God is in us and the other is that we testify that the Father has sent His Son to be the Savior of the world (v. 13-14).

Love is God’s most wonderful attribute that brings out the best in us as we are unified around faith and community. The source of this love is from God through Jesus who bled, hung, and died on the cross.  The effects of love in our life are obedience, care for others, courage, and confidence.

God, You demonstrated Your love for us by sending Jesus to bleed, hang, and die on the Cross. We accept this love and in return, we love others. We care for others, pray for others, and follow the perfect example of love in the life of Jesus. We pray that Your loving Spirit grows in our heart and that it overflows from our heart into the hearts of others as we testify about Your love. Amen.