June 12
________________________________________
1 JOHN 3
11 For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. 12 We should not be like Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother’s righteous. 13 Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you. 14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death. 15 Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. – 1 John 3:11-15
________________________________________
1 JOHN 3 WHOEVER DOES NOT LOVE ABIDES IN DEATH
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
The love of God is the reason why we have life
Without the love of God, we will all die
The Lord made heaven and earth and all humans
It is for his delight that we are all created
Let us therefore abide in God by walking in love
If we are his, we will follow his commands and abide.
Whoever does not love abides in death
He does not know God, so will always be in the dark
When someone loves God, he will be hated by the world
Because the ungodly loves sin, he will abhor God’s word
Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer
No one who hates someone will live forever.
Let all those whom God elect choose to walk in love
For God is love and whoever loves has the Spirit of God
When love isn’t present in someone’s life
There is all kinds of chaos, disorder and strife
Cling to the Lord by meditating on his word
Follow his commands and you will triumph over the world.
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• What did John mean when he said that whoever does not love abides in death?
• Why do you think John calls someone who does not love, a murderer?