1 John 4:16 — When the heart wavers, the Gospel holds “And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.” (1 John 4:16) There are days when everything feels unstable. The mind races, guilt weighs heavy, fear speaks loudly… and the soul asks—even if silently: “Am I truly loved?” John does not tell us to look for the answer inside ourselves—in our emotions, in our performance, in “I’m doing well.” He points us outside of ourselves, to God: “We have known…” It is not an invented love. It is a revealed love. God has shown who He is and how He loves. “…and believed…” Assurance is not earned by merit. It is received by faith. Sola fide. Sola gratia. Faith does not buy God’s love—it rests in it. “He that dwelleth…” To abide is not a currency to “deserve” God. It is the fruit of one who has been reached by Christ. And here is the rest: it is not only you in God… it is God in you. Law and Gospel The Law reveals our inability and exposes sin. The Gospel proclaims the perfect work of Christ: cross, atonement, resurrection, and His present mediation. It is not “do in order to be accepted.” It is: “Christ has done it—come and live in Him.” Practical application for today If you are weak, do not wait to become strong to return. Return now. If guilt is shouting, look to the cross. If fear persists, remember: Christ has risen and intercedes for you. 🙏 A simple prayer: “Lord, I do not trust in myself. I trust in Christ. Teach me to know, believe, and abide in Your love. Amen.” If this Word spoke to you, share it with someone who needs rest in God. ✍️ Pastor Jorge R. Lisboa ©2025