“By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” 1 John 4:9-10

 

As I listen to commercials on T.V., radio and the Web it is so obvious that the world is focused on “meism.” From fashion to politics its all about what is in it for me!

 

Our text this week brings a stark contrast to our misguided ills. It’s all about God and what He has done on behalf of helpless mankind.

 

John reminds all his readers of the True Reality of all existence. The love we have addressed over and over again is “all about God.” To even begin to grasp this love is overwhelming. First we see that God loves us. How amazing is that? We are truly unlovely lost and wicked (Genesis 6:5) yet God sees beyond that (talk about mercy and grace - Romans 6:23). John reminds us: “He (God the Father) loved us (you and me) and sent His Son (Jesus) to be the propitiation (payment) for our sins.” (v.10)

 

This kind of love is supernatural. Only by the Power of the Holy Spirit can we even come close to understanding and embracing this awesome gift. Our sins, His Son’s sacrifice and now we are called Beloved…Because of Him alone! When we see this truth we immediately realize that “me” is in the way of “He” in my life!

 

Galatians 2:20 is a great verse to memorize so that when “meism” tries to surface this verse can pull us back onto the narrow road life.   “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and delivered Himself up for me.” 

 

How has “meism” tried to distract you from living the True reality of a pure life in Christ?

The answer to salvation is not “I accepted Christ” but rather that He loved me and called me to Himself.    Have you heard His Call on your life?

If you have what are you doing to honor the Love that Christ has lavished upon you today?

 

The crucified life of a believer is dying to the “meism” and living to His glory.

May we each be found faithful,

Sandra Davis for everyone at Women in Discipleship