Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
1 Corinthians 13:6

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 
1 John 4:7-8

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Imagine the following scenario: before the child leaves for school in the morning, his mother encourages him, reminding him that he is smart and capable and God has great plans for him. Filled up with love and encouragement, that child walks into his classroom that day to see a new student sitting all alone. Without even thinking, he sits down next to her and tries to make her feel welcome. 

Whether we recognize it or not, we all live connected to one another in various ways. Because of this, how we treat ourselves, each other, and God matters more than we know. Both love and sin have a web-like impact on our relationships and the world. 

The love that today’s scripture refers to is divine love from the Father through His Son, Jesus, to us. Love connects all of us to Life, whose source is God.

Does a parent fully know the ripple effect of encouraging their child before the start of the day? No, they couldn’t possibly, but there certainly is one. The same goes for our negative responses. 

When I act disrespectfully or impatiently with someone else in thought, word, or deed, I commit sin. Sin is the silent enemy that puts a barrier between God and us. Sin blocks His Holy Spirit from flowing freely throughout our world—it blocks the love that can flow through our interconnected world. 

I have grown to hate the awareness and feeling of being distanced from God due to my sin. Over time, I’ve learned to humble myself, ask for forgiveness, and pray for those I have mistreated. I have found that it gets easier and faster with practice. God is always pleased to help in fixing the matter and to bless all involved. I ask Jesus to renew my heart and give me His love for others. 

Loving God changes us from the inside out. This relationship produces radical character change in everyone who is open and cooperative with the Holy Spirit—enabling us to confess our sins and walk in God’s love. This changes our world, and the darkness cannot overcome it.

Next Steps

This New Year’s Day, take time to be alone and quiet so you can reflect on your life. Consider asking God to help you love Him and others better, the way Jesus does. This always involves Him healing your own heart and mind. Be sure to thank Him for loving you and being available.

Ask God to remind you to pray for yourself and others throughout each day.

Read and reflect on the New Testament book, 1 John.