By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father has sent his Son as the Saviour of the world. God abides in those who confess that Jesus is the Son of God, and they abide in God. So we have known and believe the love that God has for us.
Reflection
I simply can’t abide … How often have we all thought that? A negative attitude and the first one the dictionary gave me when I looked up “abide”. Let’s change it to a positive and marvel that Jesus abides us, He abides me; and I deserve nothing but He knew this and sent His Spirit to help sort me out.
We abide in God and God abides in us. Sometimes when life is good it is easy to accept that we abide with God. What about people who do not have all that we have? Do they abide in God and does He abide in them? John does not suggest that abiding in God has anything to do with wealth or success but is it all to do with attitude and acceptance of the truth of Jesus. We can look at Christians who have a lot less than us and see them rejoice in their faith and their abiding in Jesus. Our faith is not a transient thing but a lifelong experience. The United Reformed Church has a programme called Commitment for Life that links us with people in other places who lack the material wealth that most people in the UK have. It is the word “Commitment” that matters here, if we are truly committed to abiding in Jesus then we will also be committed to helping those who need our help and prayers.
“So we have known and believe the love that God has for us”. What a marvellous statement from John and one we can relate to as if we had not known that love we would not be reading this (or writing it). God’s love changes us from people who we probably could not abide into people who abide in God because He abides in us.
Almighty and loving God, Thank you for abiding in me, for not rejecting me. and transforming me so that I also abide in You. I confess Jesus as Lord and ask that He will be Lord of every part of my life, that He will direct my thoughts and deeds. Help me to give to those with so little who also abide with You, Amen
Today’s Writer
John Collings. Lay Preacher and member of Rutherglen URC.
St. Andrew's United Reformed Church - The United Reformed Church in Monkseaton and Whitley Bay
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