Friday, January 9, 2026

Reconcile Today

Beloved, if God loved us in this way, we also ought to love one another.

1 John 4:11

Beloved again—John reminds the church of God's love pattern before commanding mutual love. "If God loved us in this way" points to the cross-shaped giving already described. Obligation to love one another is response, not recruitment of lonely self-effort. Look at how you were loved: patiently, costly, first. Then face the person who needs that pattern from you. Loving one another includes inconvenient timing and repeated forgiveness. Look to the gospel to supply the energy. If resentment has been rehearsing speeches, interrupt it with the memory of God's love toward you. Ought is a sturdy word; grace makes it possible. Choose one concrete "ought" and complete it before evening. Gospel memory is the only fuel strong enough for repeated, unglamorous love.

PrayerFather, You loved us in this way through Jesus. Help me love the person in front of me with a share of that same pattern. Amen.