John, one of Jesus’ closest followers, is believed to have written the Gospel According to John, Revelation, and three letters entitled, 1 John, 2 John, and 3 John. Within the letters, the apostle’s major theme is “love” and he shares Jesus’ command for believers to “love one another” (1 John 3:11 NIV). As John wrote those words, he was sharing the message he heard from Jesus, saw in the life and death of Christ, and experienced with the Son of God. Jesus loved everyone, including his closest followers, as well as his enemies. And Christ commands us to love others. But what does love require of us? According to John, “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters” (1 John 3:16 NIV). Love requires giving, serving, and sacrifice. Love seeks what is best for others, no matter who they are.

Jesus surrendered his authority, power, and life to pay the price for our sins as a demonstration of his love for us. When you struggle with laying down your preferences, desires, and will, ask yourself, “Am I living in God?” During times of struggle in regards to loving others, remember that “God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.” (1 John 4:16 NLT). To truly love one another we must remain, abide, and live in God.

 

*For a full version of this Your Faith Journey devotional download the Worship Guide from the Avon UMC website: www.AvonUMC.com

 

The Your Faith Journey Bible verses for this week are listed below:

 

Today I am going to offer God ____________________________________.

 

During the worship service God revealed ______________________________________________________________________.

 

I am going to respond by ______________________________________________________________.

 

 

Read 1 John 1:1-2:6 and pray for God to reveal a word phrase or verse that is specifically for you for today.

*February is African American History Month. Consider using the link below to learn more about the theme of this month and African Americans featured in articles, videos, and stories on the Library of Congress sponsored African American History Month website: https://africanamericanhistorymonth.gov

 

Read 1 John 3:11-24 and pray for the Lord to help believers, including you, to love one another.

 

Read 1 John 4:1-21 and try to notice what the verses reveal about God,

listen to the song “Greater” by MercyMe using the link below, then pray in response to the verses and song.

“Greater” by MercyMe: www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXI0B4iMLuU

 

Faith Practices During Lent:

Today is the first day of the 40 days of Lent that will end on Easter Sunday. How are you going to more intentionally focus your thoughts and attention upon Christ during these next 40 days? Have you prayed about it? If not, now is the perfect time to seek God’s will in prayer.

Jesus fasted for forty days in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). Have you asked the Lord if he wants you to give up a type of food, beverage, or meal during this Lenten season? If not, consider praying about it today.

 

Listen to the song “God Who Listens” by Chris Tomlin & featuring Thomas Rhett using the link below, read 1 John 5:13-15, then pray lifting praises and concerns to the Lord knowing that God hears our prayers.

“God Who Listens” by Chris Tomlin & featuring Thomas Rhett:

 

Read Psalm 25 and 2 John then use Psalm 25 to guide your time of prayer.

 

Read 3 John and pray for your friends. Consider observing the sabbath either today or tomorrow as a time to rest, reflect, and enjoy recreation. The questions below can be used to help with reflecting:

How did I see, hear, or encounter God during this past week?

Who needs to hear about my experience sometime in the coming days?

When did I miss opportunities to love others?

How can I more intentionally love others this coming week?

 

*If you do not have a Bible, consider downloading the YouVersion Bible App for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play for your smartphone or tablet. You can also use www.BibleGateway.com to look up and read various translations of Bible verses online.