" 19We love because he first loved us. 20If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. 21And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother."

In this season of Advent, we can reflect on why and how we are called to love others unconditionally. Verse 19 says "We love because he first loved us."  As we get busy with Christmas preparations and activities, let's continue to remember, be challenged and be humbled by how Jesus is our living proof of how much God loves us, and how we should respond in love to our brothers and sisters.

As we begin our season of Life Groups, this passage reminded me of the original model of Life Groups and Church. “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayer.” (v.42)...”praising God and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved”. (v. 47). I am both grateful for the privilege of participating in a Life Group and challenged by the responsibility we have as members to focus on such simple things… Scripture, Fellowship and Prayer. Let’s continue to encourage one another and live out what the Gospel continually teaches us to do in our community.