Our DNA: Guiding Passage
Our DNA: Guiding Passage
What does 1 John 4:14-19 say about who we are seeking to become?
Over the next several posts I will be taking some time to look at our DNA. What is Woodview Christian Church all about? Who are we? Better yet, who are we called to be?
As followers of Jesus, I think whatever DNA we aim for has to start with the word of God. As we begin this journey, I can think of no better place to start than what we find in 1 John 4:14-19.
Furthermore, we have seen with our own eyes and now testify that the Father sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. All who declare that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God. 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. 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. 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. We love each other because he loved us first.
1 John has always been one of my favorite books in the entire Bible. John does such a brilliant job of summarizing the Christian faith and this journey of love that we are all on. As we digest what John has written here, let me point out a few of the things that stand out to me.
Mutual Dwelling: “All who declare that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God.” This is the stuff of “Identity.” As followers of Jesus we are powered through the fact that we have God dwelling within us. This is the source of our strength. In John 14:15-17 (same author by the way) Jesus promises us the Holy Spirit. In Acts that Holy Spirit comes to dwell within the followers of Christ and is the power by which the early church gets its start. We have that same Spirit living within us if we call on the name of Jesus as our King. But that isn’t the whole story… not only does God dwell within us… we also live in God. This is the source of our identity. Dwelling in God means it is in God that we find security and worth. As we will see, this mutual dwelling is the language of transformation.
Growing In Love: “And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect.” It is no secret that the love many of experience here on earth is far from perfect. That isn’t to say that it is bad… but people are all flawed and broken. We will mess up. We will hurt one another, even when we do not intend to. We will let those we care for down. It is not a question of whether we will make mistakes… we will. A better question is: is this how things will always be? One of the things John is pointing out to us here is the fact that as followers of Jesus who find their dwelling in God… we are all on a journey. Eugene Peterson (author of The Message Bible paraphrase) has a great book by the name of “A Long Obedience in the Same Direction.” What a perfect way to describe this journey! Our goal is to embody the love of Christ… and that takes a long obedience in the same direction. We see Jesus love others and we act in obedience and do what He shows us.
With Confidence: “Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear.” We can begin this long obedience in the same direction with boldness and confidence. Culturally, the act of loving others boldly is often met with hesitations. What if they do not receive my love the way I hope they will? What if they reject me? What if they take advantage of my generosity? John reminds us that perfect love is a sacrificial love… if you are not at least a little intimidated by the idea of sacrifice you probably haven’t done it. All of these fears are rooted in our imperfect view of love. Thankfully, we have a guide through these fears and through the example of Jesus we can find strength and boldness as we progress on this journey.
1 John 4:14-19 is a powerful verse that challenges all followers of Jesus to embrace this journey of love. We are challenged to rise above the status quo to love others boldly as we are made more perfect through our obedience to Jesus. My challenge to each and every one of us is to take a moment and consider what it looks like for you to love others with this bold, transformational, and life giving perfect love of Christ.
What about you? What stands out to you in 1 John 4:14-16?