John 1:14-18

John 1:14-18
Contemporary English Version (CEV)

 In Jesus Christ, we see the fullness of God's love.  It's not some imitation or mere description of his love, but the fullness, the actuality of God's love incarnated in his Son.  Jesus came to shower this love upon us, to reveal to us the truth of God's love.
  Now, this truth isn't always easy.  True love doesn't simply give a pass when it sees the beloved in mortal danger.  In this fashion, Jesus is not afraid to confront sin where he sees it, in the hopes that the sinner might come to a new understanding and repent, thus finding their relationship with God repaired through grace.  It's not easy to hear the news that we are in the wrong, but we are better for it, for the long-term path is corrected, leading us into a deeper relationship with our Maker, which brings us closer to abundant life.
  We don't deserve this kindness or correction, but God's love is such that we are given it anyway.  When we find ourselves convicted by the words of Scripture or the kindness of a friend, may we consider this a gift of grace rather than being defensive.