TO LOVE OR NOT TO LOVE? IT IS NOT A QUESTION FOR CHRISTIANS
BIBLE PASSAGE:
“These things I command you, that you love one another.”
(John 15:17)
MEDITATION:
Have you struggled with trying to determine what Spiritual gift God
has given you? You might think that you could never be a preacher,
missionary, teacher, or serve in any other capacity, but that doesn’t
mean our God doesn’t have a purpose for your life. You have a story
and God may be preparing you for something specific to do, on His
timetable.
The last thing I wanted to do was read, prepare, and lead a class in Bible
discussions. If it was sports or music, I was gung-ho, but don’t throw me
into an area like teaching. Well, guess what? That’s exactly what God did
to me over forty-five ago and I’ve been teaching (and loving it) since the
day I first started. God continues to help me prepare and gives me many
additional thoughts while leading the discussions.
In addition, after teaching for many years, God made it clear to me
that He wanted me to prepare and distribute devotionals each week.
As with teaching, He gives me the scriptures and content to use for
each devotional (including this one). To date, the devotionals are being
read in all 50 states and over 80 foreign countries! It’s awesome to know
God is using HIS devotionals to reach many people around the world
(and the good news for me is, I get to read them first, before distributing
them to others).
So, what does one do while waiting for His direction? We obey
His commands which include loving one another. What are some
characteristics of a loving person? Here are just a few:
– Has a genuine concern for others.
– Looks for opportunities to help and takes action when needed.
– Listens (really listens) to others.
– Is trustworthy; can be depended on; will be there when needed.
– Is not judgmental (chooses to love and leaves judging to the Lord).
– Encourages others.
– Knows when a hug or a kind word is needed.
– Will make sacrifices to help or encourage others.
I’m sure we could add many more to the list.
Note:
If you get a chance, go to my Blog
(Google utvolwoody and find the link Bread for Believers),
and leave a comment with any additional love characteristics
that you would add…I would love to see them.
How are we to love?
We are to love God and love others in the same way God loves us.
We are to value God and each other as God values us.
We are to accept each other as God accepts us.
Why are we to love?
Because when we do, we are obeying God’s command. It is also
a characteristic that identifies us as one who knows God, and
belongs to His family.
Whoever does not love does not
know God, because God is love.
(1 John 4:8)
Note:
According to this scripture, if we don’t know God, then we
are not one of His. Knowing God is much more than knowing
about God. It is knowing Him and what He desires for those
who belong to His family. It is also surrendering to His will
and making a commitment to obey His commands. It is
discovering the spiritual gift He has given us, and actively
using it in the way He wants/expects us to, as members of
His family and ministry team.
ACTION:
Are you obeying God’s command to love Him and love others? What
evidence of love can others see in you? Even more importantly, what
evidence of love can God see in you? Can you name some sacrifices
you have made to show your love for others? Do you limit your efforts
to those in your inner circle, or do you reach out to others as well?
What efforts have you made to show love through prayer, encouragement,
support, etc.? Maybe you haven’t discovered your spiritual gift yet, but as
a member of God’s family, you can stay busy loving others while you wait
for Him to reveal His spiritual gift to you.
Each of you should use whatever gift you have
received to serve others, as faithful stewards
of God’s grace in its various forms.
(1 Peter 4:10)
Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for Your unconditional love
for me. I don’t understand it, but I believe it. Thank You for
making me aware of Your command to love others. I need
Your help to be less selfish, so that I will have the capacity
and sensitivity to love others. Forgive me for not loving
others as I should; make me aware of how I can love them
more frequently and with more sincerity. Teach me to look
for opportunities to show love to others. Thank You, Jesus,
for confirming Your love for me when You voluntarily and
obediently sacrificed Yourself for my sins! I am overwhelmed
with the depth of love You have for me. Create in me a desire
for You to love others through me.”
BLOG: utvolwoody.wordpress.com
BREAD FOR BELIEVERS 
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