1 John 4:7-11

"This is love: not that we loved God but that God loved us and sent his Son for the forgiveness of our sins."

The author of this letter does not tell us who he is. Because he seems to share the tradition of the fourth gospel, the letter like the gospel has been traditionally attributed to the disciple John. The emphasis on love in this letter suggests there were conflicts undermining the unity of a church. The letter urges Christians to acknowledge that their life must be rooted in the love of God, if they are to have the capacity to forgive and live in peace together.

The forgiving love of God enables us to love one another. This is the good news of the gospel, and it should be the witness of the church.

Grace and peace...Bob