Now THAT'S a love story !
V10 “not that we loved God, but that he first loved us” KJV.
In a world full of love stories John gives the only definition that really works.
The love of God arrived “while we were YET SINNERS,”(Rom5) carried ALL the risk, was one-sided, acted without expecting a response, moved unilaterally. John says go and do that for each other (V11). ‘Oh no, I am waiting for a better response from my un-cooperative friend, my unappreciative spouse, my tetchy work colleague before I will invest any more in this relationship!’ Just go on investing says John it will work in the end. Love is not dependant on the cooperation of the other party. “Take her out into the wilderness and learn to love her all over again” God tells Hosea as he drags his wife out of bed with her latest boyfriend. If it doesn’t work in the end at least YOUR head will be in the right place. The whole thing is about your state of mind. That is not dependant on the cooperation of somebody else. This is the foundational, driving truth of Christianity. It is empowering, brings personal peace whatever the outcome and carries a Divine signature (V16).
Created over 4 years ago
