Who Am I on the Inside?
Scripture:
"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love." — 1 John 4:7–8 (ESV)
Reflection:
Who I am on the inside is most clearly revealed by how I love. Love is not optional for the believer. It is the clearest evidence of a life transformed by God. According to 1 John 4, if I do not walk in love, then I do not truly know God, no matter how gifted I am, how loudly I pray, or how long I’ve been in church.
The word “know” in the Greek is ginosko. It does not speak of surface-level awareness, but to deep, experiential knowledge. It implies an ongoing relationship and encounter. To ginosko God is to walk with Him in such a way that His nature begins to shape mine. And because God is love, anyone who truly knows Him will become more like Him, loving, forgiving, patient, and kind.
Love is more than sentiment. It is a spiritual force that undergirds everything in the Christian life. Scripture tells us that faith works through love (Galatians 5:6). This means that no matter how much I fast, pray, or believe, if I harbor bitterness or offense, my faith becomes powerless. Mountain-moving faith loses its strength when it is disconnected from love.
This is why offense is so dangerous. It seems small, but it silently hardens the heart. Psalm 119:165 says, “Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” In other words, when I am rooted in God’s Word and walking in love, I develop spiritual immunity to offense. I don’t stumble easily. I don’t fall into resentment. I don’t hold grudges.
So many believers are trusting God for breakthrough, restoration, open doors, healing, and provision—yet remain stuck because their love walk has been compromised. We cannot afford to allow offense, pride, or coldness to take root in our hearts. These are blockages to answered prayer.
If I say I love God but cannot stand my brother or sister, Scripture is painfully clear: I am lying to myself (1 John 4:20). The truth is not meant to condemn us but to call us higher. We are called to love as Christ loves us. Not because people always deserve it, but because He is worthy of our obedience.
You want to grow in faith? Grow in love. You want to see God move in your life? Walk free from offense. You want to live with peace and power? Love deeply and forgive quickly.
Reflection Questions:
Prayer:
Father, thank You for loving me unconditionally and sacrificially. Search my heart and reveal any place where I have allowed offense or bitterness to take root. I choose to walk in love, not in my own strength but through Your Spirit. Let my faith be active, vibrant, and full of power because it is rooted in love. Help me forgive quickly, love freely, and reflect You fully. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture References:
1 John 4:7–8, Galatians 5:6, Psalm 119:165, 1 John 4:20, Matthew 5:23–24, Mark 11:25
Scripture:
"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love." — 1 John 4:7–8 (ESV)
Reflection:
Who I am on the inside is most clearly revealed by how I love. Love is not optional for the believer. It is the clearest evidence of a life transformed by God. According to 1 John 4, if I do not walk in love, then I do not truly know God, no matter how gifted I am, how loudly I pray, or how long I’ve been in church.
The word “know” in the Greek is ginosko. It does not speak of surface-level awareness, but to deep, experiential knowledge. It implies an ongoing relationship and encounter. To ginosko God is to walk with Him in such a way that His nature begins to shape mine. And because God is love, anyone who truly knows Him will become more like Him, loving, forgiving, patient, and kind.
Love is more than sentiment. It is a spiritual force that undergirds everything in the Christian life. Scripture tells us that faith works through love (Galatians 5:6). This means that no matter how much I fast, pray, or believe, if I harbor bitterness or offense, my faith becomes powerless. Mountain-moving faith loses its strength when it is disconnected from love.
This is why offense is so dangerous. It seems small, but it silently hardens the heart. Psalm 119:165 says, “Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” In other words, when I am rooted in God’s Word and walking in love, I develop spiritual immunity to offense. I don’t stumble easily. I don’t fall into resentment. I don’t hold grudges.
So many believers are trusting God for breakthrough, restoration, open doors, healing, and provision—yet remain stuck because their love walk has been compromised. We cannot afford to allow offense, pride, or coldness to take root in our hearts. These are blockages to answered prayer.
If I say I love God but cannot stand my brother or sister, Scripture is painfully clear: I am lying to myself (1 John 4:20). The truth is not meant to condemn us but to call us higher. We are called to love as Christ loves us. Not because people always deserve it, but because He is worthy of our obedience.
You want to grow in faith? Grow in love. You want to see God move in your life? Walk free from offense. You want to live with peace and power? Love deeply and forgive quickly.
Reflection Questions:
- Is there anyone I have quietly held a grudge against or avoided in my heart?
- Have I allowed my faith to become disconnected from love through offense or pride?
- What does walking in love practically look like in this season of my life?
Prayer:
Father, thank You for loving me unconditionally and sacrificially. Search my heart and reveal any place where I have allowed offense or bitterness to take root. I choose to walk in love, not in my own strength but through Your Spirit. Let my faith be active, vibrant, and full of power because it is rooted in love. Help me forgive quickly, love freely, and reflect You fully. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture References:
1 John 4:7–8, Galatians 5:6, Psalm 119:165, 1 John 4:20, Matthew 5:23–24, Mark 11:25
Posted in Daily Devotional
Recent
Archive
2025
January
Praise in the Midst of a StormGod Sees Your HeartDare to AskStability in the Christian LifeThe Characteristics of LoveThe Value of HospitalityValue of Authenticity and AccountabilityThe Importance of God’s WordThe Value of IntimacyThe Battle Is in the MindThe Power of Sharing Your StoryThe Power of Choices ft. Jomon-JohnHealing is in the AtonementThe Value of GenerosityGod’s Message About FearLetting Go of Control: Trusting God Over SelfThe Woman at the WellThe Father's Love for UsGod Reminds His People What He’s Done For ThemTake up the full armor of GodWho is Jesus to You?Starting All Over Again: The LawStarting All Over Again: The WallStarting All Over Again: The TempleGod’s KingdomThanksgiving and GratitudeHospitality in ActionThe Comfort of GodLiving A Life of Faith as a BelieverFaith During the Seasons of Our LivesHow to Recognize God's Voice Pt. 1God As Our Shepherd - Week 1
February
God As Our Shepherd - Week 2The Importance of Prayer and Fasting – Part 1The Importance of Prayer and Fasting – Part 2The Love of JesusBut God!Loving as ForgivenessMary and Martha: Finding the BalanceThe Gospel and Our Responsibility Part 1The Gospel and Our Responsibility Part 2Walking in PurposeThe Power of New LifeLiving as a Witness for ChristRunning the Race with EnduranceHow to Recognize God's Voice Pt. 2The Love of the Father Obey and ProsperThe Outpouring of the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit and the BelieverBreaking Free of Stagnation and MediocrityEncountering God Together as His ChurchThe Joy of Our Salvation Big Thinking and GenerosityLiving with Open Hands: Generosity in ActionHumility in ReceivingLiving Sacrifice Spiritual TransformationLiving with the Light of LifeThe Power of InfluencesStrength in the Storm
March
April
May
June
July
August
No Comments