"Perfected in Love: The Dwelling of God in Us"

### Sermon: **"Perfected in Love: The Dwelling of God in Us"**

**Scripture:** 1 John 4:12 – "If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us."

**Introduction:**

Brothers and sisters in Christ, today we reflect on the profound truth contained in this scripture from 1 John. It is a declaration of love—love not just between us as believers, but love that reflects the very nature of God Himself. God is love, and when we love one another, we invite His presence to dwell within us, and His love is made perfect in our lives. This truth carries an invitation to not only understand love but to live it out in its fullness.

### 1. **The Command to Love One Another**

The first thing to note is the command to love one another. Jesus told His disciples in John 13:34, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” Love is not optional for the Christian; it is a command from God. To love one another is not based on our feelings or what others deserve, but on the grace and mercy God has shown to us.

John makes it clear in his epistle that love is the evidence of God's presence in our lives. Loving one another is the practical expression of the love that God has poured out into our hearts (Romans 5:5). If we say we love God but fail to love others, our love is incomplete. The world will know we are Christ’s disciples by the love we have for one another.

### 2. **God Dwells in Us**

John goes on to say, "God dwelleth in us." The Bible makes it clear that when we love one another, God Himself is at work within us. His presence is not just a distant idea or a theological abstraction, but a living reality. This presence is the Holy Spirit, who dwells in the hearts of believers and empowers us to love as He loves.

Think about this: the Creator of the universe, the King of Kings, desires to make His home within us. This is a profound mystery. It is not by our own power that we love, but by the power of God working in us. God’s dwelling in us is a sign of His intimacy with us. He desires to transform us from the inside out, and love is the most visible manifestation of that transformation.

### 3. **God’s Love is Perfected in Us**

John tells us that God's love is perfected in us when we love one another. The word “perfected” does not mean flawless or complete in the way we might think of perfection. Instead, it means that God’s love reaches its intended goal or fulfillment. The goal of God's love is not just to be received but to be shared. When we love one another, God’s love becomes complete, or perfect, in us. It is through our acts of love that God’s love is fully expressed and made visible to the world.

The perfect love of God is a love that seeks the good of others, that sacrifices for the well-being of others, and that extends grace even when it is not deserved. This is the love that dwells in us and works through us. The more we love, the more God’s love is revealed in and through us, and the more we become like Christ.

### 4. **The Testimony of Love to the World**

As we live out this love, it becomes a testimony to the world around us. The love of God is not something we keep hidden; it is meant to be shared. In a world marked by division, hatred, and brokenness, our love for one another becomes a powerful witness of the transformative power of God. People will see God’s love not just in our words but in our actions, and they will be drawn to the God who loves them so deeply.

Jesus said, "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:35). The world does not need more arguments about doctrine or theological debates. What the world needs is to see the love of God in action, through us. When we love one another, God’s love is not only perfected in us, but it becomes a light to the world, drawing others to His grace.

### 5. **How Do We Love?**

To conclude, let’s ask ourselves: How do we love one another? Loving one another isn’t always easy. It requires humility, patience, forgiveness, and a willingness to serve others. We must love not just in words but in action (1 John 3:18). We are called to love those who are difficult to love, to forgive those who have wronged us, and to serve those who may not deserve it. But in doing so, we reflect the character of God and allow His love to be perfected in us.

Let us commit ourselves today to love one another deeply, just as Christ has loved us. Let us be vessels of God’s love, allowing Him to dwell in us and work through us. And as we love, may God’s love be perfected in us and become a beacon of hope to a hurting world.

### Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your love that dwells in us. Help us to love one another as You have loved us. Let Your love be perfected in us, that we may reflect Your character to the world. Fill us with Your Spirit, and empower us to live out this love in every circumstance. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

May the love of God dwell richly in each of you as you go forth today, sharing that love with others. God bless you.