“Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us.” (1 John 4:7-11)  Continuing with John’s first epistle we have before us this week a glorious promise bounded by a terrible challenge.  And if it were not for the power of the promise, we would not dare to contemplate the challenge.  “Let us love as God has loved…”  Really?  What about the cross and all that?  There may be a handful of folks, but come on, let’s not get fanatical!  But the challenge to love may only be understood by the prior reality of God’s love and the promise to empower our own. “Love was revealed among us in this way…”  You know, we really do need to keep the season of Easter in mind when we read this.  If Jesus were only a past example, to whom we seek to emulate… Well, I don’t know about you, but I would despair.  My love is off and on, burning brightly every once in a while, but all too often only reserved for that handful referenced above.  And yet, “God sent his Son that we might live (and love) through him…”  Do you struggle with loving people who are annoying or different or just plain unlovable?  I sure do.  And yet, from time to time and place to place, through the power of his Spirit, I become aware of a love which does not originate in me.  I become aware that our Lord Jesus is alive and empowers us with his love!  Kind of makes you want to get out there doesn’t it?  Kind of makes you want to get out there and just see what Jesus might do in you and through you.  Have a great week!