2And the Life [[b]an aspect of His being] was revealed (made manifest, demonstrated), and we saw [as eyewitnesses] and are testifying to and declare to you the Life, the eternal Life [[c]in Him] Who already existed with the Father and Who [actually] was made visible (was revealed) to us [His followers].
3What we have seen and [ourselves] heard, we are also telling you, so that you too may [d]realize and enjoy fellowship as partners and partakers with us. And [this] fellowship that we have [which is a [e]distinguishing mark of Christians] is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ (the Messiah).
4And we are now writing these things to you so that our joy [in seeing you included] may be full [and [f]your joy may be complete].
5And this is the message [the message of [g]promise] which we have heard from Him and now are reporting to you: God is Light, and there is no darkness in Him at all [[h]no, not in any way].
He has made me to shine! ... But they cannot see the light unless I turn my face to You, Father. (p.p. sara groves)
I think people know Christians are supposed to be these loving people- light- pleasant to be around, a source of fellowship because they are an extension of Life.
I am a little upset at a Christian on TV that has a platform of political ideas and what sounds like judgemental statements on other leaders, writing them off as if they are beyond saving or beyond the intervention of Father, telling them not to even call out to God because of something they had done.
I am SO GLAD that I don't have to earn or achieve the salvation Father imparts to me. He gives it just when I need it. I definitely don't deserve it except for the cross! I am SO glad He does not renig on that promise when I mess up! (The Gospel is the saving power to those who ARE BELIEVING not once believed... there is no present power or life in a historical fact but in Him and the fact that He's alive today!)
I am also SO GLAD that it's not my job to judge or decide the fate of others. I leave that to Father for this man on TV (since there's no possible way I can know His heart) and for myself. (Father, Search me and Know me. I trust and you live inside me you will bring to my conscience that which You want to deal with... humble me to accept it).
When will we understand its more about loving people and less about dividing them, analyzing them, and figuring out their destiny. It seems that people know Christians are "supposed to love and such and the world is just waiting to see it in action. There are hearts that want to believe but are pushed away by those who are focused on 'do' and 'dont'.
Relying on the Spirit brings about LOVE and from that flows the others: joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self control. If you LOVE above all else won't you find the rest of these. I believe that this is what our world hungers for- now's our chance to let the Life of the ALL Powerful Resurrected Jesus accomplish it: "for I am with you until the end of the age" We cannot truly and selflessly love without being full of Him.
amen sister...i too am glad i have no part in making decisions or judgements for anyone else..and praise the lord that he doesnt ask us to DO anything relevant to our own judgement!
praise the Lord for your heart! i have been praying that the Lord would give me a more loving and non-hateful, non-judgmental heart. apart from Him, I just can't do it! i have definitely been swept away by His MERCY and LOVE this week and countless times before. when I remember this, it becomes easier to relinquish my fleshy desire to be unloving and unmerciful. my heart is softened by Him and i am brought back to my center - His perfect presence and love in me. love ya sista!
amen sista! I am so thankful the Lord put this on your heart b/c I need a reminder sometimes. Praise te Lord for diversity in the body and for giving us the ability to freely love others. Love you kid!