"No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another God lives in us and His love is made complete in us." --1 John 4:12

if we love one another, then God becomes visible to those around us, including to ourselves.

Repeat the verse above to yourself a number of times over each day until these words from the lips of God are embedded in your mind. Then repeat it dozens more times a day, until it becomes part of the fabric of your soul.

The logo of the True Disciple of Jesus is love.

Not only love for God, but love for others. Especially others who follow Jesus.

Love is the highest expression of God's character in us. It is the proof positive of our discipleship.

If we have not love we are only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal --"1 Cor. 13:1. In other words, if love is absent from our character we are all noise and no substance.

If we don't have love we gain nothing "--1 Cor. 13:3.

Paul says that no matter how much faith we have, no matter how much knowledge we obtain, no matter how much we give of ourselves (even if we give until we die), no matter what tremendous sacrifices we make in life"--all of it is in vain"without the overflowing, rich, universe-filling love with which God wants to empower us.

If this Word doesn't convict you, dear brother or sister, then nothing will. We all fall short in this area of bedrock obedience to God.

When the stories of the martyrs are written, they are all stories of love. Love for God, love for His Son Jesus, love for the brethren.

When we face trials and tribulations that shake our lives, it is our love for our Savior that brings us through--"not determined will power, or the grim purpose of a goal-oriented zealot.

Love helps us see God clearly when we need Him most. In the end, those who stand firm are those who love!

A. Brother

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