The Bible tells us in Matthew 22:37-39 “…Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”
Then in Titus 2:4 women are told to “…love their husbands and to love their children.”
So we are to “love one another” I John 4:7. But no one tells us how to love. It isn’t always easy to love those that come into our lives.
Each of us have different ways in which we show love. God showed His love to us when He sent His own Son to die on the Cross of Calvary. Romans 5:8 “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
God choose to love us. Love is an action we choose to share with others. Love is intense feelings, emotions, attitudes, and so much more. When we love someone it should be evident not only in the words we say, but our attitudes and actions should display the love we have for that person.
You probably heard the old saying “actions speak louder than words." That is what God is saying in I John 3:18 “My little children, let us love not in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.”
Our love should flow from our heart to others. When something flows, such as water into a sink, that water has a source from which it comes. Our heart should be that source from which our love flows.
Maybe you have the same problem I had. I found it very difficult to love, you see, my heart was full of self and selfish motives. It wasn’t until I allowed God to empty me of those sinful ways and allow Him to fill me with His love, then He became the source of my love. I had to be willing to receive God’s love before I could love others.
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that WHOSOEVER believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Now His love could flow to others through me. Since my heart became filled with God’s love, I find it so much easier to show love by being more patient and not being so easily angered with those around me.
Now instead of always thinking about myself, I strive to put others first.
You might say, I can’t love that way, I’ve never received God’s love and forgiveness. It’s never too late, God is waiting for you to let Him empty your heart of those sinful ways and fill your heart with His love.
The flow of God’s love will reach others as it shines through you to others. The words of this well loved chorus beautifully states: “When love shines in, When love shines in, Joy and peace to others bringing-- when love shines in!” What a love life you can have all because of God’s great love for you. “We love him, because he first loved us.” I John 4:19
This devotion was written by Linda Wasser. These devotionals are being published throughout this pandemic in an effort to further strengthen the faith of our NorthStone church family. Feel free to comment below to offer your feedback about today's devotion.
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