Today's Verse - 1 John 4:10

This is love: not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

—1 John 4:10

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

God loved us first! He sent his Son to save us regardless of our decision to believe or reject his grace. But what does Jesus being an atoning sacrifice for our sins mean? It means that Jesus' sacrifice removes our sins and allows us to be "at one" with God again, presented to the Father by the Son as holy and blameless and above reproach before him (Colossians 1:22). God loved us first! We were once offenders of God's gracious holiness - we were weak, ungodly, sinners, and enemies (Romans 5:6-10) of God and his holiness - yet God paid the cost to bring us back to Himself in holiness and honor. God loved us first!

My Prayer...

Precious King, God Almighty, why would you love us so much that you would send your Son to die as the atoning sacrifice for our sins? We know that you gave us this gift of love when we were undeserving. We confess that we will never fully comprehend the depth of such sacrificial love as you demonstrated to us. However, we are deeply touched and thank you for your gracious love for us in Jesus. We pray in your name, LORD Jesus, by the power of your intercession and thankful that God loved us first! Amen.

Today's Verse - John 13:34-35

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

—John 13:34-35

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

How do you recognize Jesus' followers? How do you find true Christians? Many people claim to be followers of Jesus, but are they really? How do we know?
In the Gospel of John, Jesus gives us three ways that show we are his true disciples: we abide in his word (John 8:31-32 ESV), we bear much fruit (John 15:8), and we love one another (John 13:35). Today, we focus on our love for one another as a mark of true discipleship. Jesus said his disciples would love each other just as he loved them. In the immediate context, this kind of love is defined: like Jesus, we are willing to love and serve each other selflessly and practically - just as he washed their feet and later went to the cross while protecting them. The LORDs ministry revealed he would do almost anything to demonstrate his love for his disciples, whether extravagant, simple, or something in between. Imagine if we all followed the LORD Jesus' example and proved ourselves his disciples by loving each other in the same way Jesus demonstrated his love to them and to us!

My Prayer...

Father of Compassion and God of all grace, we thank you for teaching me to love through the example and commands of Jesus. May our words and actions reflect his love toward your people today, tomorrow, and until you bring us all home to you. In the name of Christ, our Great Example and LORD, we pray. Amen.

Today's Verse - John 3:16

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

—John 3:16

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Did you know the Bible doesn't just say, "God loves you." But don't let me confuse you. Scripture does tell us many times that God loves us. However, don't miss the important truth here. Each time Scripture tells us that God loves us, it also demonstrates that love by something God has done for us. You see, God's love is much more than emotion and intention. God's love is always demonstrated by what he does, has done, or will do. God loved us so much he didn't just say, "I love you." God also showed his love by sending his Son to sacrifice himself for our sins and give us his incomparable and eternal love! We never have to doubt that God means it when he says, "I love you." He always backs up his promises of love with his loving and sacrificial actions toward us.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Video Commentary...

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My Prayer...

Loving and Almighty God, thank you for loving me. Thank you for both saying you love me and demonstrating your love through your redemptive actions for me. Please know, dear Father, I love you, too! Please accept my loving emotions, words, and actions today as a testimony to my love for you. Through Jesus, I pray and thank you for your love. Amen.