GOD LOVES US, BUT HOW MUCH DO WE LOVE HIM?

BIBLE PASSAGE:
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. 
(Ephesians 6:24)

MEDITATION:
Certain relationships in life require only a moderate degree of devotion. 
Being vague and distant can be adequate in many of these kind of relationships. 
But there are other relationships in life when friendship becomes love. 
Two hearts give themselves to each other and meld themselves from two into one. 

Instead of being separate entities, 
their interests, priorities, and paths are combined. 
The indifference and distance which can be adequate 
for mere friendships will not work in real love. 
Love gives all and requires all in return; love includes a transparency 
that a friendship may be able to survive without.

The desires of one party becomes binding obligations to the other. 
There is a desire of each heart to know wishes and longings of the other.
The more we get to know someone, 
the more we know how to help them attain and enjoy their desires.

Friendships are great, but love relationships are special.
In order for us to deepen our love relationship with the Lord,
we must learn more about Him and His desires.

And when we do, 
we will know better how to fulfill His desires for us through obedience.
More of His desires will replace our selfish desires, and we will gradually 
become more like Him in our words, actions, attitudes, and obedience.

ACTION:
How well do you know the Lord and His desires for you?
Do you spend time alone with Him daily through prayer and reading His Word?
Some people think that although they don’t try to learn more about Him,
they don’t have a hatred for Him.

But the opposite of love is not hate, but indifference.
Hate indicates 
there is at least some level of emotional feelings toward another person.
Indifference makes the statement that the other person 
is unimportant and does not deserve any attention.

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for Your unfathomable love for me. 
Forgive me for not reciprocating my love for You at the same level. 
Forgive me for not striving to learn more about You and Your desires 
for me. Forgive me for selfishly taking Your love, but giving nothing 
in return. Help me to give a higher priority of my love relationship 
with You, so that I can become more obedient to Your commands 
and strive to fulfill Your desires for me.” 


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