1 John 4:9 In this the love of God has been revealed to us, that God sent his only begotten son into the world in order that we might live through him.
ἐν τούτῳ ἐφανερώθη ἡ ἀγάπη τοῦ θεοῦ ἐν ἡμῖν, ὅτι τὸν υἱὸν αὐτοῦ τὸν μονογενῆ ἀπέσταλκεν ὁ θεὸς εἰς τὸν κόσμον ἵνα ζήσωμεν διʼ αὐτοῦ.
This verse gives the simple message of salvation. The depth of God’s love is shown through the coming of Jesus. This is the “truth” about which John has been writing in this letter. Deep down, this is the longing of the human heart. Unfortunately, it is suppressed and replaced by things of this world. The world’s definition of love replaces God’s definition. This can go so far as to reach the level of animosity, rejection, and persecution.
Life comes only when we find ourselves in Jesus. We experience new life when we accept him as Savior and reject our sin by acknowledging it before him. The world’s hold on us is released and we experience freedom that comes only with love. The Son communicates God’s love through sacrifice upon the cross, mission to the lost and least, and in words that transform our lives. We experience the power of his presence today through the Holy Spirit who draws us into this love if we only but open our hearts and seek after it.
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