Furthermore, we have seen with our own eyes and now testify that the Father sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. All who declare that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God. We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world.

1 John 4: 14-17

in a world where false teachers were passing on “new” teachings about Jesus, John acts as an eyewitness to Jesus ministry and purpose as the Savior of the World. For those who were familiar with John’s Gospel – the theme is familiar-

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

John 20: 30-31

God loves those who “declare that Jesus is the Son of God.” Then John mentions three times that we “live in God.” This is that same type of abiding love Jesus first mentioned in John chapter 15. And then there is the promise that “as we live in God, our love grows more perfect.”

Think about your closest human relationship. What would it mean for your to “live in _?” To me, it speaks of devotion and commitment to another. When our love grows, we make choices that will draw us closer, not drive us apart.

The same is true with our relationship with the Lord. We should be growing stronger every day.