The World

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world – the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does - comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever. 1 John 2:15-17

John is not speaking to the love of people or God's creation. Rather, he is speaking to the world of sin. 

To the non-believer this is mere gibberish. Even when one can give and has the opportunity to share the concept of sin and evil in the world with another, unless they are to the "end of themselves", having exhausted "their right" to be in control, it will fall on deaf ears. Share anyway, "for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure" (Phil 2:13).

The things that are impossible with man are possible for God (LK 18:27). God changes the very nature of our spirit. It is our responsibility, an act of faith, a measure of servant love, to share that seed of hope with others.

God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, in your mercy, make yourself known through the words, deeds, and signs of your present-day, walking-on-this-earth disciples. Forgive us for those times we have looked away from an opportunity to be and share the Good News. Strengthen us in faith that we might be ready this day to give an account for the hope that we have, especially, in the face of trial, suffering, and adversity.

No ear has heard, no eye has seen, nor heart imagined what you have prepared, but in this and this alone, we remain assured, the love of Christ that surpasses all understanding will guard our hearts and minds. To this end we pray, in the name of Jesus…