5 January 2021

Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. And by this we will know that we are from the truth and will reassure our hearts before him whenever our hearts condemn us; for God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have boldness before God;

From I John 3:11-21, NRSV

In today’s reading, John continues to emphasise how God’s children are expected to live. The love required from God’s children cannot just be expressed in words but has to be seen in what we do. The type of love to which John refers is that which Christ showed in laying down his life. Whilst we may not literally be called to give our lives, our care for others needs to be self-sacrificing – a love that does not expect any repayment or reward. John assures his listeners that we can have no fear of God if our hearts and conscience tell us that we have shown others the same love that we have been given.

• • Why do you think John called for love in “truth and action”?
  • What does the love that John calls for look like?

Give thanks for those who have shown you real love and pray for the grace to show love to all whom God sends your way.