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Everyday Peacemaker

Peacemaker Ministries Devotional "God is Love"

by P. Brian Noble / July 15, 2019

Peacemakers Daily Devotional

Scripture:

Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. (1 John 4:8, ESV)

Thoughts

This verse starts out with “anyone,” which is very clear. “Anyone” means everyone. The verse goes on to say that the person who does not love does not know God. Since you are an “anyone,” how is your love for everyone? Your love for others will show your knowledge of God.

On the opposite side of these things, our lack of love for anyone shows a lack of knowing God. This may seem confusing, but it really isn’t when we tie in the next part of the verse. Why? How can John say that anyone who does not love other people does not know God? Because God is love, so if we know God, we are affected by his love.

God doesn’t just do love. He doesn’t just do loving actions. He doesn’t just think loving thoughts. His very substance, nature, and being is love.

The truth that “God is love” is powerful for all people. Later in Chapter 4, John says, “So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him” (1 John 4:16 ESV). “God is love” means God does love us. He loves you. HE LOVES YOU! Now that is amazing.

Application

Apply this amazing truth to your relationships today. Who do you love? Who are you struggling to love? How can you see the people you love and the ones you struggle to love through your knowledge of God? 

“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8, ESV). Think about it: While we were still far from perfect, while we were still doing wrong, while we were still estranged from God, Jesus died for us. How can you “die” in your relational tensions? I’m not talking about a physical death; I’m talking about taking steps toward humility, steps toward dying to your rights and seeing the power of the Gospel in your life. Think of ways you can demonstrate love to others by dying to your rights and expectations and truly serving and loving them.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for loving me with this kind of love. I want to know and believe in your love. I want to abide in your love, and then choose to demonstrate your love to others today. Help me to love the way Christ Jesus loves…. (Continue praying.)

 

If you enjoyed this devotional you may also enjoy our book the Path of a Peacemaker!

Tags: devotion, Peacemaker Wisdom

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P. Brian Noble

P. Brian Noble

P. Brian Noble is an everyday guy who loves Jesus. He has been married to his best friend, Tanya, for 20 years and they have four children; they currently reside in eastern Washington. Brian has a Master of Arts in missional leadership from Northwest University. He is the Executive Director/CEO of Peacemaker Ministries. An ordained minister for the past 20+ years (3 years as a Youth Pastor, 14 years as a Senior Pastor, and 4 years as an Executive Pastor), he proclaims hope through the gospel message as the Holy Spirit empowers believers in their daily walk. He believes in the power of the Word of God to transform lives. He has been a Certified Christian Conciliator since 2008, with 1000+ hours of conflict coaching and mediation experience. His caseload has ranged from husband and wife cases, to family farm, to public schools, and even county government. Brian has taught peacemaking in local jails and even internationally in Uganda. His hope is that every Christian reconciles their differences in a way that glorifies God. His hope is that every Christian recognizes they are a Peacemaker before they try to do peacemaking. Finally, his hope is that every Christian reconciles by making authentic peace that blends justice, mercy, and humility.

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