"And so we know and rely on the love God has for us."
1 John 4:16 NIV
Reliability is one factor employers considering when hiring someone for the job. Will they show up as scheduled? Will they be able to perform as required? Will they represent the company is a positive manner? After all, the boss relies on the employees to help make his business succeed.
Likewise, the employee relies on the boss. Will he provide a safe work environment? Will he pay me fairly? Will he be in business next year? Will he give me opportunities to advance? The relationship between employer and employee is one of mutual dependence and reliance.
In this verse, the word "rely" means to believe. It's kin to faith. In other words, we depend upon God's love for salvation and daily Christian living. So the big question is, "Do you rely on God's love?"
In regard to salvation, his love is the basis for salvation. "For God so loved the world..." (John 3:16). "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this..." (Romans 5:8). "Because of his great love for us, God...made us alive with Christ" (Ephesians 2:4). Without the love of God we would be and would remain hopelessly lost. You can lean into God's love or turn away from it. You have that choice but eternity depends upon it.
In regard to Christian living, God's love compels us to live for his glory. We are told to bear with one another in love (Ephesians 4:2). Paul tells us that the church is built up through love (Ephesians 4:16). The family relationships are built upon love (Ephesians 5 & 6). And our treatment of others is based upon God's love for us, for them, and our love for them. Again, you can choose to live a life of love that leads to God's blessings or turn away from it.
What will you choose? If you rely on God's love with a confident belief that he will save you and help you live the Christian life you will find full and eternal life. Pray that God will help you as you lean into his love today.
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