I John 4:16-17 “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgement, because in this world we are like him.”
I can just picture it. A crowded courtroom, lined with people waiting to see the judge. Most are nervous, shaking in their boots, for they have heard about this judge. He does not let the guilty go unpunished. And everyone on his docket is guilty of some crime. Finally, the bailiff commands, “All rise!” and in the midst of scooting chairs and muffled coughs, in walks the judge.
When all are seated, one person on the back row leans over and whispers to his neighbor, “Aren’t you nervous? You look so calm! Haven’t you heard about this judge?”
“Yes, I’ve heard about him. He can be pretty tough, but he is fair. I’m not really nervous, though. He’s my Dad, and he’s already taken care of my punishment.”
That is the confidence we can have when we stand before God! We can all have that confidence if we accept Jesus as our Savior. Every single one of us.
And more than likely, the thing that will draw others to God is His wonderful, beautiful, unchanging love – the love that each of us needs desperately. Often, the way they will find that love is through us. He wants to draw all men unto Himself, and He wants to use us as the drawing tool. When we love others, His love is made complete in us. And when He is in us, He will recognize us as His children on the day of judgement. We won’t have to worry, for our Father is the judge, and our Brother already paid our fine.
Dear Father, Help me to live in love. Let Your love be made complete in me, as I love those around me.
Amen
God’s mercy truly is amazing, that he took our punishment. However, I realize it is a difficult scripture for many when he teaches that we must be like Jesus in this present world. Really, how many people believe they are like Jesus, the truly holy one of God?