1 John 4:9: By this the love of God was revealed in us

1 John 4:9 New American Standard Bible 9 By this the love of God was revealed in us, that God has sent His only Son into the world so that we may live through Him.

In the previous verse we are told that God is love. God demonstrated His love for us by sending His only begotten Son into the world so that whoever would believe in Him would have eternal life. Jesus is the only begotten Son of God. He is set apart from all others. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are all perfectly one. The Father loved us so much that He gave His greatest gift of His Son.

What this demonstrates to us is that the love of God is based on action. It is not merely based on word and talk; it is based on action. To claim that we love our brother and sister, but when we see a need or see them hurting do nothing about it, simply shows that we truly don’t love.

But this also shows us as Christians how we are to live on a daily basis. For if we are truly followers of Christ what will mark our lives is His love. We live in a world that is broken and hurting. We live in a world that is divided and filled with hate.

What the world needs is a church that truly walks in the love of God. The world needs a church that truly demonstrates the life and love of Jesus Christ. No matter where God has placed us in life that is our mission field. All around us people are lost and hurting. What opens the door for the gospel to be planted into the heart of another is the love of God manifested.

The love of God is manifested in us when we simply live for Christ and walk with Him. The secret to truly being an effective and influential disciple of Jesus Christ is abiding in Him. May we seek to be baptized in the Holy Spirit. That the life of Jesus Christ would immerse us, and our minds and hearts would become one with His. When this happens, His love is made manifest in us and we truly become His hands and His feet.