Lavish Love
Bible in a Year: Job 30-31; Acts 13:26-52
See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! 1 John 3:1
Today's Scripture: 1 John 3:1-3, 16-18
Insight
In his first letter, John carries forward many of the same themes that frequently appear in his gospel account. These include love (1 John 3:1-3, 11-18; 4:7-12; see John 3:16; 15:9-13) and light (1 John 1:5-7; 2:8-11; see John 1:9-13; 8:12; 9:5), both of which have been perfectly represented in the person of the Savior, Jesus Christ. John also mirrors his gospel by opening his letter with a statement of the incarnation of Jesus—the Son of God, who has come in the flesh (1 John 1:1-4; see John 1:1-5). While John’s writings contain many eternally important ideas, the concepts of love and light continually bubble to the surface as he seeks to describe both who Christ is and what He came to bring. He’s the Son of God, who came to penetrate the world’s darkness with His perfect light and to heal the brokenhearted with His perfect love. As we experience this lavish love, He helps us extend it to others.
It was my grandson’s eleventh birthday, and a group of family members gathered at a Mediterranean restaurant to celebrate. Before ordering, my son asked the birthday boy what he wanted. He reluctantly told his dad he’d like the salmon but knew it was too expensive. My son told him, “It’s your birthday. If that’s what you’d like, you can have it.” My grandson was thrilled, and his broad smile showed it.
My son’s love for his son reminds me in small part of God’s lavish love. First John 3 describes the “great love” God showers on us: He calls all who believe in Him His children (v. 1), the benefactors of His lavish love. This love is exemplified in Christ’s sacrifice, the greatest gift of all. Jesus “laid down his life for us” on the cross (v. 16). “We’re saved ‘by grace through faith’ in Christ” (Ephesians 2:8). This is God’s gracious gift to everyone who believes.
In response to God’s lavish love, let’s “lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters” (1 John 3:16). We’re called to put our faith into action: to love and obey Him and to spread that love to others. Through the Holy Spirit, God enables us to extend lavish love to our family and beyond.
Reflect & Pray
When have you been the recipient of lavish love? How can you extend God’s lavish love to another?
Dear loving Savior, none of my gifts or sacrifices could ever compare to Your lavish love for me. Please help me find ways to live out that love to others.