Love Learns
1 John 4:7Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves has been born of God, and knows God.
John roots love for one another in God's own nature. Love is not a mood we manufacture; it is family resemblance to the One who loved us first. "Beloved" is the address—reminders of being loved come before commands to love. When irritation rules the house, return to your own belovedness in Christ, then let that security spill outward. Loving one another includes the awkward relative, the slow coworker, and the church member who votes differently. Born-of-God love notices people as image-bearers rather than obstacles. Choose one tangible expression today: a patient answer, an invitation, a forgiven slight. Knowledge about God that never becomes love for people is incomplete. Let affection become action before the day ends.
PrayerGod of love, I receive again that I am beloved. Flow that love through me toward one person who is hard for me to cherish today. Amen.
