Sermon Cloud

This succint statement by the Apostle John may be the most memorable quote from the three letters that bear his name. His entire letter revolves around the love of God made clear to us through Christ Jesus.

John refers to himself as "the disciple whom Jesus loved" (John 21:20). Having experienced so powerfully the love of Jesus, and having heard the teaching about love from Jesus, he rightfully made it the linchpin of this teaching.

John is the one who records Jesus's teaching on the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep (John 10). John is the one who tells us about the love of Jesus for Lazarus who died (John 11:3). John records the teaching of Jesus about the true vine and how the branches must remain in the love of the vine (John 15). And John records the High Priestly prayer of Jesus for his own, including us (John 17).

So what does it mean when John writes that God is love? How does that work out in my life? Nothing is more important--or more powerful--than discovering this truth for your own life. Ultimately, John declares, whoever lives in love lives in God (1 John 4:16).

As quickly as possible, we all need to get centered in the love of God--standing under the waterfall of God's love and letting that love splash off us and on to everybody around us.