Tuesday December 26th, 2023
« This is how God so loved the people of this world, that He gave as a sacrifice His one and only beloved Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish and go to Hell, but will have Eternal life. »
1 What if I could speak all languages of humans and of angels? If I did not love others, I would be nothing more than a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.
2 What if I could prophesy and understand all secrets and all knowledge? And what if I had faith that moved mountains? I would be nothing, unless I loved others.
3 What if I gave away all that I owned and let myself be burned alive? I would gain nothing, unless I loved others.
The Bible teaches that God is the source of love; indeed, it is His very character.
Love involves the totality of our being in terms of thoughts, feelings and actions. Matthew 22:37-38 NKJV says:
« Jesus said to him, ” you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment” »
Out of love, God gave His only beloved Son as the ultimate sacrifice for the Salvation of humanity (John 3:16).
He then commanded all Christians to reciprocate by loving one another. 1 John 4:7-8 AMP says:
« Beloved, let us [unselfishly] love and seek the best for one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves [others] is born of God and knows God [through personal experience] »
We are enjoined first to love God with all our hearts and soul and mind.
This is the only way we can truly appreciate what love is and then express it to others.
God has empowered us as Christians to do this. Romans 5:5 NLT
« For we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love. »
The Bible shows us that love (charity) is revealed in action, especially what you do in the interest of others. 1 Corinthians 13:4-6 ESV
« Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. »
This is the standard God has set for all His children.
Assess yourself using the Bible verse above and make amends immediately wherever you have fallen short of Gods standard.
Finally, the way to demonstrate our love to God is to obey all His commandments (John 14:15).
As Christians, we must always radiate the love of God in a way that will draw people’s attention to Jesus Christ, not the other way round.
Can others see the love of God in you?
Prayer focus – Father, please let Your love radiate through me to the entire world, in the mighty name of Jesus.
Author – Bishop Enoch. A. Adeboye.
Edited by Naomie
Freely you received, freely you must give (Math 10:8) , kindly share this devotion, and the Lord will bless you for it .
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