Thursday 8 January 2026

Today is Thursday the 8th of January, in the season of Christmas. The Cape Town Camerata sings a setting of Ubi Caritas, by Paul Mealor: “Wherever love is true, God is there.” Where can you see love around you today? Where can you find God? Today’s reading is from the First Letter of John. 1 John 4:7-10 Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. A self-confessed believing Christian who doesn’t love, does not really know God. And "everyone who loves is born of God and knows God”.. What’s the implication of John’s teaching here? Are there any people, individuals, groups, or even nations you can think of who really exemplify knowing God through this love of one another? Those who are, “belovers”... You might like to really thank God for these people. Perhaps there are people or groups who you are concerned don’t quite match the description of knowing God in this passage... you might like to offer a prayer for them. Be like a leaf! Leaves can’t manufacture anything without sunlight. If they are receptive to that gift of light, they grow in themselves and then give of themselves to the tree and the world. As you listen again, how does this passage remind us that our love for others flows from God’s love for us? 1 John 4:7-10 Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Jesus’ generous, sacrificial love brings us home to God. Notice that there’s no mention of God’s wrath or a need for punishment here. Take a moment now, just to let God love you. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen

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