Love Does: Topple Misconceptions

via TJC

“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus.” ~ 1 John 4:16-17

When I was in high school I felt pretty confident in my faith. I don’t think I could quote most scriptures chapter and verse and I’m not even sure I had read through the entire Bible yet. But I knew what I believed, I knew what I heard and felt, and I knew what I thought the Bible said I was confident in it. That confidence led to a sense of self-righteousness. I was a good kid and I found it pretty easy to follow the rules. I was conservative, I didn’t drink, I didn’t smoke, I didn’t swear and I didn’t talk back. I had friends. My teachers and coaches thought I was a good leader and role model to my peers and younger kids. But then a conversation with a girl in the hallway challenged my whole persona. 

I can’t remember her name, but I remember thinking she was a 1990s neo-hippie. She had a flowery skirt and a flower in her hair. She had overheard me just share some of my “Biblical knowledge” and the “proper way” to apply that scripture with another group of friends and students.  She walked up and said, “I don’t think that’s right. God is Love.” I was flabbergasted. I said, “What are you talking about? God is Holy, God is just. God isn’t “Love”” (hippie-girl). Now she could have walked away or been disrespectful in the way that is so common today. She could have even equaled the “who do you think you are” energy that I’m sure was on my face. Instead she had a conversation. She asked if I read the Bible. Then she quoted 1 John 4:16. (She quoted it, I had to look it up when I got home). Even still, in that moment I knew the truth. Because of how she acted I knew God is Love. She wasn’t trying to score points, but to put me on the path of demonstrated righteousness. She set the record straight with grace and truth.  She was being Jesus in this world. She saw an offense and courageously stepped into the crowd and entered the mess. She demonstrated that love in action, or as we say “Love Does”, changes everything, including my misconceptions about her and myself. My outward path looked righteous, but “keeping the laws” was making me blind to the heart and posture of the One who had fulfilled the Law.

Daily Battle Order:

God is Love and in the world we are like Jesus. Kingdom Man, do you have the courage to step into the mess with grace? Do you have the humility to listen when someone steps into yours? This week we’ve been talking about love in action. Or as we call it “Love Does”. 

What is your “Love Does” story where your life has been impacted?  Share one with someone close to you today.

Also, come join TJC on the Battlefield this Spring, and bring your own “Love Does” story to share during one of the small group breakout sessions. Registration & more at https://www.joshuacommission.org/ .