1 John 4:16-21 (NLT) 4:16 We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. 17 And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world. 18 Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. 19 We love each other because he loved us first. 20 If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see? 21 And he has given us this command: Those who love God must also love their Christian brothers and sisters.
What a great message on this Christmas Eve - that we would love one another as God loves us. Over 2000 years ago – God showed His love to the world by sending His only son to a world filled with hostility, hate and evil. This was the ultimate proof of His love that He had for the world. Now God tells us to love as He has already loved us. Loving others becomes the test as to whether God is really working in our hearts. There will never be a shortage of opportunities to love. Misunderstandings, hurts, and disappointments push people into conflict with one another. Jealousy and pride push people apart. Sin is present everywhere. Today, Christmas Eve 2009 is your opportunity to practice loving like God loves. To love others is the proof that God is working in our lives and that we are growing in the things of love. Today is your opportunity to forgive others. It is your opportunity to walk in a clear conscience to God and to one another. This is the message of Christmas. It is the message of love.
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