Different

625.  "Different"            October 10, 2012
1 John 4-Part 4   (verses 7-8)
Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.   1 John 4:7-8  KJV


LET IT GLOW

Different means unalike, not the same, according to Webster's Dictionary.

How was I different as a child? It was obvious that my physical characteristics were different-short, skinny, dark hair. My personality was quiet and shy. I had to study hard to make A's and B's in school. Sometimes it is okay to be different, though. I really didn't have any problems accepting it.
Different. John shows us how a Christian is to be different from an unbeliever, a false teacher.

Here is what makes Christians different from the rest of the world:

• We love one another. This is the only way we can show that we really have love. Do I make it a habitual practice to love others?
• Born again people love others. We receive God's nature, which is love. We are a reflection of His love.
• We know God. We feel His everlasting love as we experience His forgiveness.
• God is love. 

Love is a gift of His grace, a fruit of His spirit. (Gill)

All true love has its origin in God. Real love shows that we have His Spirit and that we belong to HIm. It makes us more and more like God. (Barnes' Notes on the Bible)




LET IT GROW

He that loves not does not know God.
Hatred, envy, wrath, malice, all have their source in something else than God. He neither originates them, commends them, nor approves of them. People can have a natural affection for others, family, and a hound dog. (Barnes' Notes on the Bible)

Romans 5:8 says But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Jesus is our only hope.

LET IT GO

Learn to let go of the worldly and its trinkets and let God love others through me.

Dare to be different-return love to the unlovely.