1 John 40

 Have you gone through times of doubt, questioning if God really is caring and compassionate?  At times I’ve taken a fatalistic view, thinking that no one can do much to change course in life. We just have to accept what we get. But today’s study is a minded that Jesus, fully Hod, entered into space and time as one of His created, experiencing everything we go through. The moral witness of His presence, suffering the worst treatment possible, demonstrates His compassion and power to be present with us.

“He entered our world of flesh and blood, tears and death. He suffered for us. Our sufferings become more manageable in the light of his. There is still a question mark against human suffering, but over it we boldly stamp another mark, the cross that symbolizes divine suffering. 'The cross of Christ ... is God’s only self-justification in such a world” as ours....' 'The other gods were strong; but thou wast weak; they rode, but thou didst stumble to a throne; But to our wounds only God’s wounds can speak, And not a god has wounds, but thou alone.” - John Stott, The Cross of Christ

“The more we know Him the better we love Him, and the better we love Him the more we become like Him—“conformed to the image of His Son” (Rom. 8:29). Of course we will not be completely conformed to Christ until we see Him (1 John 3:1–3), but we are to begin the process now.

What an exciting way to live! As God’s love is perfected in us, we have confidence toward Him and do not live in fear. Because fear is cast out, we can be honest and open; there is no need to pretend. And because fear is gone, our obedience to His commands is born out of love, not terror. We discover that His commandments are not burdensome. Finally, living in this atmosphere of love, honesty, and joyful obedience, we are able to face the world with victorious faith and to overcome instead of being overcome.” - Excerpt, Be Real (1 John) by Warren W. Wiersbe