Eastertide
April 27, 2018
Scripture Reading: 1 John 4:7-21
God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them. Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness on the day of judgment because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love. We love because he first loved us. Those who say, ‘I love God’, and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also. –1 John 4:16b-21
I do not think many are concerned about the day of judgment. Several pay attention to the end of times and the second coming, which are linked to the day of judgment. I fear some believe judgment is for others just as the sins we recognize are often something others do. The Bible talks about the day of judgment.
Accountability is with us each step of our daily walk with God. I tend to see judgment as being held accountable as we examine our activities each day so that we can make course corrections through our faith journey. For example, did I see someone hungry and not feed them? Having to face, all at once, a lifetime of missing the mark, breaking God’s laws, or being separated from God is something to dread. Our goal is to get to the final judgment and hear only Well done, good and faithful servant (Matthew 25:21)
To reach that goal requires dedication to loving like God loves. In the end that is the only thing that matters.
Prayer: Teach me to love like you in everything I say and do. Help me to understand what love really is and what it means to me and those with whom I share love. Amen.