Loved ones, let us love one another, for love is from God. Everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 1 John 4:7, TLV
Born of GOD. Every person on this planet was born. Our Heavenly Father is the Creator of the Universe. Therefore, seems obvious that everyone is born of GOD, right? Makes sense. But that’s not the context of what John is writing here.
Yeshua answered, “Amen, amen I tell you, unless one is born of water and spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be surprised that I said to you, ‘You all must be born from above.’” John 3:5-7, TLV
When we are born again (John 3:3) of water and spirit, we become our Father’s redeemed children. Because we are His redeemed children, we have a conduit of love from His heart. We’re born of love and in love. From that love comes beautiful fruit that is evident in what we say and do. Love flows from us to others. When it works.
Now, should we not “feel” love, especially toward our fellow redeemed, then something is out of whack.
If we’re struggling with loving others — or someone in particular — check in with the Holy Spirit because it’s us, not them, that are out of line. Top of the list of possibilities is unforgiveness, then pride, confusion between loving the person, but hating the sin. Or perhaps we don’t fully trust the love GOD has for us.
So we have come to know and trust in the love that God has for us. God is love. Now whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. (vs. 16, TLV)
With all that is going on in Israel and around the world really, fear and
injustice can cause anger which can lead to hatred. When we feel that “hatred” rise in us, thank the LORD that He is showing us that something is off within us. Let Him show us so that we can repent and be reconciled with Him — and others when necessary.
We are born of GOD in love. How beautiful is that! Let’s abide in that love and do our best to keep our hearts free from hatred.
