Jan 3
Acquainted with God
2nd JANUARY 2023
He who does not love has not become acquainted with God [does not and never did know Him], for God is love. [1 John 4:8 AMPC]
Love is not a word that represents weakness. Being kind and patient is not for weak people. That is because it requires a great deal of strength and a proper sense of self-worth to be consistently kind and patient at all times. God is love, as our verse says, and love is kind and patient [1 Corinthians 13:4].
Nobody can claim to know God without possessing the distinct nature of His love in their life. To put it differently, anyone who claims to know God, but there is no manifestation of kindness and patience in their lives is a liar. Where God is, love is there. Have you ever seen anyone or anything encouraging or persuading bees and birds to show up where flowers produce sweet nectar? No, they show up, internally motivated and ready to get that nectar. The presence of God draws love from the hearts that know Him.
His motivation to do anything is always from love because He is love. His word is a story of love. Everything we know about God testifies about love, even hell. Yes, out of His love, He made a place to cast the devil and all wicked spiritual principalities and entities forever. God did not create hell with any human being in mind — but the failure of man to choose life in God through Christ is the reason he would end up in hell.
How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings [Psalm 36:7]. He is not insecure — that's why He can love us steadfastly even when we are not doing what pleases Him. We are not suggesting that He is okay with us walking into sin. We are saying that when we turn from sin and run to Him, He would not reject us because of where we are coming from. If we are acquainted with God, these things should be evident in our dealings with others. We dare you to believe that God loves you with enduring love.
Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me steadfastly with an enduring love. According to Your word, my association with You should produce love in all my dealings, so I pray that I shall experience You in any area of my life that is not producing love. Help me to be a true ambassador of Your love, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Further Reading: John 17:21 / 1 John 3:6
Prophetic Declaration: Psalms 91
