Pastor Chris Oyakhilome.
We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death (1 John 3:14).
The first manifestation of eternal life in you is the love of God. When you're born again, the love of the Father is awakened in your spirit. There're people who hate us Christians, not because we did anything wrong, but just because of Jesus. Such people aren't born again; they haven't passed from death to life. When you're born again, you can't hate anyone, because there's love in your heart. It's the fruit of your recreated human spirit. That's why the Bible says, "…the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us" (Romans 5:5).
We know we've passed from death to life, not because we can perform miracles, or because we can prophesy and speak in tongues: it's because we love the brethren! As a Christian, you must make the uncompromising choice to walk in love always. Decide there'll never be anybody anywhere that you'll begrudge, dislike or be bitter against. It doesn't matter the extent of hatred and animosity you experience from those around you, you have the obligation as a Christian to love and not hate.
Consider our Lord Jesus, as they nailed Him to the cross and cursed him, He looked up to heaven and said, "...Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do..." (Luke 23:34). That's love! He could have destroyed them all in a moment of time, but His love overlooked their ignorance and forgave their wrong.
The love that you have for other believers is a testimony in your spirit; it's a witness within you that you've passed from death unto life. 1 John 4:17 says, "Herein is our love made perfect…." This means that the love of God in your heart needs to be developed unto perfection; you've got to grow in your love. Continue to perfect your love. As you practise it, it'll come to perfection.
CONFESSION
I'm full of love! The love-nature of God in my spirit causes me to radiate and express love to everyone I meet. I've made the choice to love everyone I meet, show them kindness and grace, and speak and believe the best of them always, in the Name of Jesus. Amen.
Further Study:
1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
Luke 23:33-34 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. 34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: 3 John,
Daniel 7-8
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: John 18:10-18,
2 Chronicles 13-14
Good morning and do have a wonderful time in church today.
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