Read 1 John 3:11-24.

If we want to live life at its best, we must deal with our doubts about our salvation and the power of God. Otherwise, we will be vulnerable to a host of sins, notably to hatred. Jesus clearly addressed the devastating consequences of hatred in our hearts in His Sermon on the Mount when He says that even our thoughts are subject to judgment (see Matthew 5:21-22). So John reminds us of our calling: “For this is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another. . . . Anyone who does not love remains in death” (1 John 3:11, 14).

Love should be the mark of every Christian (see John 13:35). And as we cling to Christ and stay focused on Him, this fruit will grow in our lives by the power of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22-23). However, John gives us a warning to be prepared: “Do not be surprised, my brothers and sisters, if the world hates you” (1 John 3:13). Even in these instances, we must press on in love, for hatred destroys lives.

John gives examples of what it looks like to love, beginning with the greatest example: Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross to save us (see 1 John 3:16-18). He says in the face of hate, we are to keep on loving without deciding if the person is worthy of our love or not. We love without self-interest—even if our love is met with ingratitude. You might respond, “That’s impossible!” And I agree with you: In our own strength, it’s impossible. But we’ve been given the power to do the impossible, and this is why all of this comes down to our doubt. Do we doubt the power of God given to us to love, forgive, and obey? Once you doubt that power, you are no longer drawing from His strength. But we can overcome doubt in life because even “[i]f our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything” (1 John 3:20).

Today, recognize that God is bigger than your heart, bigger than your fear. He knows better; He knows all—your strengths and weaknesses, your successes and failures. He knows you are imperfect. That ought to bless us and not hurt us, to motivate us and not discourage us, because God has already accepted us through the precious blood of His Son. So let’s take heart and answer a hostile world with the love of God by the power of God.

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your power at work in my heart to make me new, to transform me into Christ’s likeness. I know You have power to grow my love for others and for You. May I develop deeper faith and draw on Your strength for the tasks You put before me every day. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us” (1 John 3:23).

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