IS YOUR LOVE FOR THE LORD SINCERE? DO YOUR ACTIONS PROVE YOUR LOVE IS REAL?

SCRIPTURE:
Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity.  
(Ephesians 6:24)

MEDITATION:
Does it seem that there are times 
when other believers receive more of God’s blessings than you do?
How does that make you feel?
Do you start to question your faith or your relationship with the Lord?

Paul mentions a love with sincerity that is not a superficial type of love.
Some think that being ‘religious’ 
creates an endearing relationship with the Lord.
However, He can see through this type of artificial love.

In order to fellowship with the Lord, we must do more 
to nourish our relationship than just occasionally praying, 
reading the Bible and worshipping Him in His house.
A casual show of love for the Lord lacks the sincerity He desires.
He gives us His love and wants our love in return, but when we 
selfishly withhold it, our fellowship with Him is thrown out of balance.

Some relationships in life 
can survive with occasional contact and casual affection.
But the requirements change considerably when friendship becomes love.
When two hearts give themselves to each other, 
they are no longer two, but one.
Instead of being separated, their interests and paths are now together.
Distance and insincere affection can be fatal to a real love relationship.

Love gives all and expects (must have) all in return.
A one-sided love relationship will never grow and may not last.
One person is giving, but the other person is not.
This leaves a void in one side of the relationship.

However, a two-sided love can be strong and grow even stronger.
Each one is sensitive to, and cares about the needs of the other.
The Lord has shown His love and continues to show His love for mankind.
However, too many who claim to be Christians 
are content with receiving His love, but giving nothing back in return.

ACTION:
Think about your own life.
If you give love but get nothing in return, how does it make you feel?
Some are good at saying they love others, but they fail to show love 
through actions that require sacrificing their own time and desires.
How do you think the Lord feels toward those 
who are unwilling to sacrifice time and personal desires 
to spend more time nourishing their relationship with Him?

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Son, and all He has done for me. 
Thank You, Jesus, for your expression of love toward me and how you 
have blessed me in many ways. Forgive me for not being more appreciative 
of Your love for me. Forgive me for being neglectful of doing the things 
that show that my love for You is sincere. Forgive me for not being 
dedicated and consistent in praying, reading the Bible and meeting with You 
and other believers in Your house. Help me to organize my life and 
priorities so that You are a greater part of my days. I know that You love 
me and I want to show a sincere love for You in return.”