Those Who Do Not Love

The Spirit Comes
The Pledge of God's Presence

Love One Another

1 John 3:6-10  The Message

^4-6 All who indulge in a sinful life are dangerously lawless, for sin is a major disruption of God’s order. Surely you know that Christ showed up in order to get rid of sin. There is no sin in him, and sin is not part of his program. No one who lives deeply in Christ makes a practice of sin. None of those who do practice sin have taken a good look at Christ. They’ve got him all backward.
^7-8 So, my dear children, don’t let anyone divert you from the truth. It’s the person who acts right who is right, just as we see it lived out in our righteous Messiah. Those who make a practice of sin are straight from the Devil, the pioneer in the practice of sin. The Son of God entered the scene to abolish the Devil’s ways.
^9-10 People conceived and brought into life by God don’t make a practice of sin. How could they? God’s seed is deep within them, making them who they are. It’s not in the nature of the God-begotten to practice and parade sin. Here’s how you tell the difference between God’s children and the Devil’s children: The one who won’t practice righteous ways isn’t from God, nor is the one who won’t love brother or sister. A simple test.

 

For Reflection

 In my opinion, anything that one does that separates one, or influences others to act in ways that separate them from God is a sin.  If one truly knows Christ, he or she will act out of God's love and do the just, compassionate and forgiving act.  Those who know Christ will choose to live lives that create rather than destroy.

Pray

that you will learn to live your life creatively.  Pray that you will act in compassionate ways.  Pray that you will champion justice and foster peace.