Doing some sermon studying this week, I came across this unrelated verse from 1 John.

And I wrote it down on a sticky note on my desk that said “Friday Uplift.”

Of course, when I came into work today I had forgotten what 1 John 4:16 had to say at all…

But then I read it, and yes, it was exactly what I needed to hear.
And it was a good reminder that sometimes reading a verse quickly isn’t enough.

We might not use the word “abide” all that much in our day to day lives, but it’s a great word.

It means remain, or dwell, or continually be present.

So read it that way – “God is love, and those who are continually present in love are continually present in God, and God is continually present in them.”

Wow.

What a promise that is.

God is love.

When we love, we are present with God and God is present with us.

There isn’t much to add to that.

So I’m just going to put out a challenge today:
Learn this verse.

Don’t read this and forget it like I did earlier this week.

Meditate on it,
Read it a few times,

Write it down,

Maybe reflect with someone or journal on how it makes you feel,

and then just sit with it.

dwell.

Sometimes when we come face to face with this kind of love, all we can do is dwell in it.

Remain with it.

Cry.

Rejoice.

Have peace.

Know and believe in the love God has for you.