1 John 2:18-3:6 When we went to India in 1980, I met a young man who I had a hard time loving. He was a manipulator, and I did not care for his mode of operation. During our visit to India I managed to be civil toward this young pastor, but it was not easy. Frankly on many occasions I wanted to tell him off, but the Holy Spirit helped me hold my tongue.
Upon our return from India, I was in the kitchen preparing dinner, and I said to the Lord, “Lord, I don’t think I can look forward to seeing this young Indian man in heaven because I just simply do not like him. Then I heard the Lord speak to my heart the following: “When you get to heaven and see this young man, you will simply love him because he will be just like Me.”
There are probably people you know today whom you are not looking forward to seeing in heaven. The words I received on that day in the kitchen offer wonderful hope. What is even a better hope is that I too will be like Jesus. This means all my character flaws, insensibilities and lack of love will be replaced by His perfect love. JOY!! Listen to John’s words in our reading today: “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure” (1 John 3:2-3).
Knowing I will be like Jesus when I see Him face to face does not give me an excuse to sin willfully here on earth. On the contrary, I am challenged to lean more upon His righteousness and perfect love than ever by daily abiding in Him. Only by abiding in Him will I be able to purify myself. I’m not that good, but He is!! GLORY!!
Lord, help me to love everyone with Your love as I live out my days here on earth. I blow it so often, but You are the perfect One who can help me daily to not sin in my heart. My heart is to love as You love, and I know this will only happen as I daily abide in You. Your love far exceeds any I would have to offer anyone.
READ: Daniel 9:1-10:21; 1 John 2:18-3:6; Psalm 121:1-8; Proverbs 28:27-28
