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God loves us. We are to love one another. Real love requires sacrifice and obedience to God’s commands. And lastly, the Apostle John teaches that love is the key to a life full of purpose and joy and contentment. Love really is the answer.

John tells us: “Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble.” (1 John 2:10)

Doesn’t that sound attractive? We all stumble in many ways, but John shows us that love overcomes the things that make us stumble – things like selfishness and pride, bitterness and envy, insecurity and anger. We cannot be impatient and love our brother. We cannot be resentful and love our sister. Loving others lifts us above the things that would trap us in sin.

And that is not all. John continues:

“God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.” (1 John 4:16)

“No one has ever seen God; but if we love each other, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us.” (1 John 4:12)

Through love, God makes His dwelling place in us. Love is the way to true fellowship with God. Love completes us.

It begins with God loving us. Through His power we can love those around us with a sacrificial and unconditional love. Then when we love in this manner we are complete in God. We have fellowship with Him and nothing can make us stumble.

Holy God, thank you for loving me. Thank you for showing me that by loving others, I receive the incredible benefits of freedom from stumbling blocks and fellowship with You.  Amen.

Questions: How have you found love to be the key to life on earth? How have you experienced benefits when loving others?

About the Author:  Suzanne Benner