Vulnerable

1 John 4:12-13 NIV

"No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.  This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit."

No one has ever seen God is quite a statement from John who walked with Jesus.  John is an interesting character.  Here he writes about ... surprise - love.  I should go through all his writings and see how many times he uses that word. 

Why is the word 'love' important?   We misuse it on a daily basis.  "I love that outfit" - "I love chocolate cake" - "I love love..." Most of these come from feelings - taste, smell, sight, touch, hearing.  Love has become an emotional state for most of us.  The decision to love has been removed as long as we are stimulated by the thing that catches our fancy. 

But we cannot feel, see, smell, taste, or hear God.  Or can we?  Love is a choice.  When we choose to love instead of seeking temporary stimulation, we begin to act in love.  God surrounds us with people to whom we can put love into action.  We see or feel God through how we love others and how they love us.  You will know the difference as will they.

We cannot see God but can see those that are in our lives.  Our love for others comes from God who loves us and loves them.  He created us to be social because He is social (think about all those walks He had with Adam and Eve).  The love God shares through each of us shows He communes with those who love Him.  In this is His love made complete or perfect - when we act in love - a choice.

We are also given all the help we need to love one another.   God gives us His Spirit who leads, comforts, and guides us.  To journey with God is to live in Him, and the Holy Spirit is with us every step of the way.

So what are you leaning on today?  Love makes us vulnerable and vulnerability can create fear.  Listen to what John says, "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." 1 John 4:18 NIV
Journey with God and let His love come into completion through you.  He does make difference. Live and love without fear.