February 19, 2023
This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. (John 15:12)
What do we think of when we hear “Love others?” Nothing can top the example of God’s love for us; it costs Him everything! “In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another” (1 John 4:9-11). Because of His love for you and me, we can love other people, even the unlovely.
Jesus commanded us, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35). This kind of love inspired people like Mother Teresa to leave the comforts of home to work amongst the poorest of the poor. Here are a couple of questions: Shouldn’t we all have love in our hearts as Christians? Can we honestly call ourselves Christians if we don’t? Sometimes it is tough to love someone, especially if they have hurt you.
If it’s been a while since you looked at (1 John 4:7-8), may I encourage you to today? “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.” If we don’t have love, Jesus has departed us.
Friends, possibly this Devotional Thought today has hit home with you; it has for me. If so, may we ask God to fill our hearts with His Love so we can Love with His Love? Would you pray with me?
Dear Heavenly Father, this is a stern message to take care of. You have spoken clearly to me through Your Word. There is no way around it – I must love others if I am to have the right to call myself Your child. Father, forgive me for my shortcomings to love. Father, fill me afresh with Your Love; Love is a choice, and I choose to Love others as You Love Me. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Encouraging Words: Love is not only something we feel, but it is also something we do.
God Bless you, Friends, and have a Blessed Day <><
Thoughts by Randall Stapleton is a Daily Devotion brought to you by The Bridge - Learn more at https://wearethebridge.org
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