Universal Utterings

for January 7, 2025

A Godcast

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01-07-25 1 John 4 v0721 To Love God is to Love Your Brother

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The First Letter of John Chapter 4 V- 7 through 21

7 Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God. 8 Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love. 9 In this way the love of God was revealed to us: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might have life through him. 10 In this is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as expiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also must love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God. Yet, if we love one another, God remains in us, and his love is brought to perfection in us. 13 This is how we know that we remain in him and he in us, that he has given us of his Spirit. 14 Moreover, we have seen and testify that the Father sent his Son as savior of the world. 15 Whoever acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God remains in him and he in God. 16 We have come to know and to believe in the love God has for us. God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him. 17 In this is love brought to perfection among us, that we have confidence on the day of judgment because as he is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment, and so one who fears is not yet perfect in love. 19 We love because he first loved us. 20 If anyone says, “I love God,” but hates his brother, he is a liar; for whoever does not love a brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.21 This is the commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.

In 1 John 4:7-21, the Apostle John beautifully encapsulates the essence of Christian love, emphasizing that love is not merely an emotion, but a divine command rooted in the nature of God Himself. John begins by affirming that "God is love," reminding us that love's true origin and ultimate expression is found in the character of our Creator. This profound truth challenges us to embody this love in our relationships with one another, transcending all forms of hatred and division.

The passage teaches that love is an active force that overcomes animosity, encouraging us to foster a spirit of unity and compassion. John boldly asserts that those who love are born of God and know God, while those who harbor hatred do not truly know Him. This profound statement compels us to evaluate our hearts — are we reflecting the love of Christ in our lives?

Importantly, the love Christ demonstrated through His sacrificial act on the cross serves as the ultimate model for our interactions with others. This love is unconditional and non-retributive; it invites us to release our grievances and biases, recognizing that no soul is beyond redemption. As we embrace the love of Christ, we are empowered to let go of hatred, resentment, and judgment.

In a world often marred by conflict and division, 1 John 4:7-21 offers a transformative message: love is the antidote to hate. As believers, we are called to mirror Christ's love, fostering a community where grace triumphs over retribution and every soul is valued. Let us strive to live out this divine love, knowing that in doing so, we reflect the heart of our Savior to the world. Amen.

Join me as we pray our daily prayer of forgiveness. The Lord’s Prayer.

At the Savior's command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to say:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

I am sorry Lord. I believe You died and rose for me. Please forgive me as I forgive others. I share You as my Lord and Savior seeking to live your Will in all things. Prayers for wife Toni and my mother Betty pray for our children especially our two oldest Alexandra & Allen Son in Law Mark Stern; Julian, Gabriel and Jeffrey and our grandchildren Oliver, Julian and Elliott. We pray for those we’ve said we’d pray for and those who’ve asked us to pray for them. We pray for the dying as we do each day Lord give them peace in their last breath. We pray for Holy Mother Church. Our prayers for our niece Brittany. In Jesus Precious Blood by His Name we pray. Amen.

I am a poet obedient to Christ,

Catholic Evangelist Thomas Cruz†Wiggins

†Spirit led God inspired Christ fed†®

Ephesians 6:17-20

01-07-2025 1 John 4 v0721

**To Love God is to Love Your Brother**

In love's embrace, we find our way,

A call to hearts, both night and day.

For every soul, in joy or strife,

Is touched by grace, is given life.

From God above, love's essence flows,

In every heart, His mercy grows.

To know Him true, we must love well,

For in this truth, His promises dwell.

No hate can stand where love abounds,

In every heart, His peace resounds.

When shadows fall and darkness creeps,

In love's bright light, our spirit leaps.

The Savior came to show the way,

With sacrifice, He chose to stay.

No retribution in His gaze,

Just open arms and endless grace.

As children born of love divine,

Let kindness be our heart's design.

For in each act, and every word,

The voice of Christ can still be heard.

So let us love, as He has shown,

In every heart, His love be sown.

For perfect love casts out all fear,

In unity, we draw Him near.

In love, we rise, together stand,

A tapestry of His own hand.

In every soul, His light we see,

In love, we live — forever free. Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

January 7, 2025 @ 05:31 AM EST

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