31/07/2017
DAILY REFLECTION
MONDAY 31ST JULY, 2017
THEME: FATHER'S LOVE
TEXT: 1 JOHN 3:10–23
HYMN: EMHB 730 - Father of everlasting grace,
The doctor explained to Mr. Johnson that he was risking his life by offering to donate one of his kidneys to his son who required kidney transplant to save his life. The reason given was that his other kidney was failing. Mr. Johnson, however, insisted on the donation, choosing to sacrifice his life for his son. Most parents, in Mr. Johnson's position, would do the same. That is the love which normally should exist between family members. This is the love that is translated from the Greek word 'Storge' It is a natural bond of affections that runs in a family.
This love can, however, fail. There are parents who will not risk their lives for their biological children for various reasons, one of which may be the rebellious or wayward character of their children. As our heavenly Father, the love which God has for us is unconditional. It is agape love. John describes it this way: “By this we know love that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren” (1 John3:16)
It was at a time when we were rebellious to the commandment of God that Christ died for us. The only way we can be sure that we are beneficiaries of this love is when we show the same love to others. 'If any one says “I love God” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen' (1 John 4:20). May the Father's love dwell richly in us in Jesus' name. Amen.
MEMORY VERSE: 1 John 3:14 “We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love abides in death.”
PRAYER: Dear heavenly Father, empower me to love other people dearly as You love me in Jesus' name. Amen.
READ - DAY: Act 14; Night: 1 Kings 3-4
