Jan 15

Once we have experienced God's love for ourselves in our lives, we want others to have this tremendous gift as well. The woman at the well demonstrated the consequence of knowing God's love in one's life by rushing out to the village where she lived and telling others about Jesus. Then her own joy and happiness also increased. She had entered into next stage of knowing the Lord and his love, characterized by the seventh chapter of John.

The seventh chapter of John is where Jesus says that those who believe on him will have the Holy Spirit, and His life-giving message and power will flow out from them into others (vs. 38, 39).

But this is also where conflict with others becomes evident, for not everyone wants Jesus and his love. Therefore, in order to avoid conflict, some are content to keep Jesus to themselves.

So, some want to stay with Jesus, safe and secure from the battle, while others are willing to risk everything so that others may share their joy in Jesus. What makes the difference? The answer is found in the same gospel as that which is being used here to illustrate these three levels of relationship with Jesus: the gospel of John.

What one word characterizes this gospel?

Love.

If we would know the secret to becoming intimate with God, we must become intimate with love, for he is love.

Scripture for today: 1 John 4:16
Thought for today: God is love. If we would know love, we must know God. If we would know God, we must know love.
Prayer for today: Lord, I desire to know you; I desire to know love. I know that life is bound up with this mysterious, powerful Spirit that is who you are. Help me to know you as love. I need this desperately and ask you to show me what I need to know about you and your love--and myself. Thank you for doing this, Lord.

JAN 15