JUNE 18 – LIKE JESUS

 As we love God, learning to live in His love, the Lord will bring that love to completion, giving us confidence that defeats fear. All this because in this world we will then be like Jesus. (1 John 4:17)

                   The writer here says clearly, “if you live in God your character and nature become what you love.” In loving you – God (verse 14), through His Holy Spirit (verse 13) has revealed and given you Jesus Christ (verses 15-16) as evidence of His love. Your love for other people, expressed by your actions to seek their interests more than your own, is what will become your character; your very identity. Your nature becomes the Christ you love, as you grow in that love and lead in response to the overwhelming love God has shown you (verse 19).

                    You are then becoming “like Jesus.” Like Jesus, your life reflects a selfless love. Like Jesus, what you want is never the basis for what you choose. Like Jesus, others will be influenced, and they will find their way to new life. Like Jesus, the world will not value and honor your work and your life, and will even despise and oppose you as you try to show them God’s love.

                    So, do you really want to be like Jesus? Is your love for Him such that you will have no ambition but to follow Him? If so, a life of passion and powerful transformation can be yours. Be like Jesus!