Heralds Digest

"Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward." (2 John 1:8 NKJV) Exchange of love represents a pleasant reward of good fellowship in every relationship. No relationship, whether friendship, marriage, social fellowships, etc, worth its salt without a cordial expression of love. However, perfect love cannot be fully rewarded with the fellowship of material things. In fact, the heart is vulnerable to carrot and stick love, especially when the truth about God's generosity is queried. Full reward of our fellowship of love is certain at the mercy seats, even when it appears the seat for mercy here is no longer available.

"And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life." (1 John 5:20 NKJV) Every process or personality that provides proven performances expect the worship or praise of the audience. Without a perfect understanding of the true God, the worship of the material possession and the elevated personality become contagious and inseparable. Unfortunately, man is often carried away by the knowledge of the effect of performances on his personal life. Whereas, while the effects of the material world are corruptible, Jesus Christ, who is source of life and the Creator of material things, is eternal. Invariably, true God cannot be ascertained by the material content of what is done; but by the eternal consistency of who is doing what.

"Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us." (1 John 5:14 NKJV) Relationship with God is often treated as a monologue rather than a dialogue. Unlike in a monologue mind-set, communication with heaven suggests a comprehensive revelation of God's will; His way; and His walk. Even after we have asked anything according to God's will, our confidence is expected to extend, from His hearing us, to our hearing Him. Many a God's will in marriage, business, ministry and family life suffers unnecessary setback because of unwarranted ignorance of God's way of implementation or the recommended timing of His walk . Wholesome righteousness demands that God's will should be executed in His way and at His walk.

"And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son." (1 John 5:11 NKJV) Forbearing the undeniable experiences of evil and natural disaster in the world, most real men will admit that life is good. God has given man beautiful places with amazing wonders and wonderful people to enjoy life together. And more interestingly, the testimony of God's promise to extend this corruptible life to eternal life is clearly written in all of the present physical provisions, albeit conceived from the heart of many who prefer to deny the statement of God's love. Undeniably, God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.

"For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world— our faith." (1 John 5:4 NKJV) Those who are privileged to be born into affluence and wealth know the importance of their affluent family identity. The battle for the keys that open political and economical doors of favour in life is always tense, especially without a favourable family identity. Likewise, victory over self and sin is a work-over with influential identity into the family of God. However, for spiritual victory, enlistment for family identity requires only faith in God's provision of His Son (Jesus Christ) and the concluded victory at the Cross. Therefore, the family identity that requires operation by faith, rather than force, overcomes always before every fight.

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love." (1 John 4:18 NKJV) Perfect love thrives generously, espoecially in a vulnerable atmosphere. The heart of man may boast of its perfect knowledge of the motives behind people's actions. It is often reluctant to query the consequence of its responses. Unfortunately, most head knowledge often imprisoned the heart from the experience of a perfect love. Rather than being limited by the perceived negative motives of others, perfect love casts away all fears of exposure. Consistent generosity in love is not possible at the instance of human gifts; it is powered by God's grace.

"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God." (1 John 4:7 NKJV) The cost of love can be intimidating, if evaluated ahead of commitment. Therefore, reluctance towards engagement in love affairs is normal, except sustainability concern is fully resolved. Unlike self-centered consideration in love affairs, expression of love among brethren is viewed as a mere exchange of the free gifts of God. Therefore, the essence of love is focussed more on the evidence of the believer's access to God's gift; rather than on the exchange of gifts among one another. Actually, expression of God's love will not run down on its continuous supply, if man does not look down on the demand for God's grace.