The Loop

The Identity That Changes Everything 

If you had to use one word to describe God, only one, what would you pick? It's a fascinating question to wrestle with, especially when you consider that the Apostle John, who walked with Jesus firsthand, chose a single word to define the infinite Creator of the universe. 

In 1 John 4:16, John tells us plainly: "God is love." Not that God has love or shows love sometimes, but that He IS love.  

Living From a New Identity 

What's even more remarkable is how John refers to himself because he has experienced this transformational love firsthand. Instead of using his name, John calls himself "the disciple whom Jesus loved" (John 13:23).  

This wasn't false humility or a cute nickname. This was John's entire identity being shaped by one overwhelming truth: he was deeply, completely, unconditionally loved by Jesus. 

What would change in your world if you were to actually believe that, embrace that, live out of that? How would you treat your co-workers differently? The people in your school, your siblings, your parents? How would you treat your finances, your work, your entertainment? 

The Foundation of God's Character 

Here's what makes this love so transformative: Before anything ever existed, see, there is no beginning for God. So all the way back, God has always been living in a loving relationship – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This means God didn't make you so that He had somebody to love Him. God didn't make you so He had somebody that He loved. He didn't need anything. 

When we understand this, it changes everything about how we view our purpose and identity.  

When God really wanted to show you His love, He did it by sending His one and only Son so that you can know – emphatically, no matter what you've done, no matter where you've been or who you are – you are completely loved. 

Love in Action: The Early Church Model 

This understanding of God's love created something revolutionary in the early church. Acts 4:32 tells us, "All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had." 

The result was extraordinary: The early church was so generous that all of the needs of the people in the church were met. People would sell extra land or houses, bringing the proceeds to the apostles to distribute to anyone who had need. 

Generosity With Wisdom 

Now, this raises an important question: "What about people taking advantage of others?" The early church wasn't naive about human nature. Paul addressed stealing directly in Ephesians 4:28, saying, "Anyone who's been stealing must steal no longer, but must work doing something useful with their own hands that they may have something to share with those in need." 

Mutual generosity and personal responsibility are expected by God of His church. We can hold both truths simultaneously - being radically generous while also calling people to personal responsibility. 

Putting It Into Practice 

The church is healthiest when every single member sees themself as part of the solution to the problems. This isn't just theory - it's lived out in practical ways when we understand our identity as beloved children of a generous, loving God. 

When we truly grasp that we are dearly loved children, it transforms how we: 

• Forgive when forgiveness makes no sense 

• Show patience when we don't want to be patient anymore 

• Hold loosely to our possessions 

• See ourselves as conduits of God's generosity 

God, may we see your love and accept your love. May we change our entire identity to fully, deeply live as dearly loved children. This identity - as the one whom Jesus loves - changes everything about how we live, give, and love others in return. 

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