“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

Everything we know about love stems from God. The apostle John wrote that “God is love” and that “we love [God] because He first loved us” (1 John 4:8, 16, 19). Our love for God, as well as our love for others, is a response to the God of love who first loved us. As we abide in God’s love, we respond by obeying His command to love others (John 15:10).  How are we doing with that?

Psalm 91 is a testament to God’s loving protection for those who love Him: “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him” (verse 14). When we get to the New Testament, we find Paul writing that everything works for good for those who love God (Romans 8:28). And in the same chapter (a mirror of Psalm 91), Paul lists all the things in life that might separate us from God’s love and says none of them will (Romans 8:35-39)!  How encouraging is that!?

To be loved unconditionally—by God or by others—is a safe harbor. A church ought to be a safe harbor, knowing that we love one another, and thinking the best of one another and having a desire to encourage one another. Let’s dwell in God’s love today…and tomorrow…and tomorrow… so we are equipped to love others.

 John Blanchard once wrote:  “We are called upon to reflect the love of God as much in trial as in tranquility.”