2 minute read.
Daily Reading: 2 Chronicles 19-20 GW; Psalms 48 GW; 2 Thessalonians 3 GW
God directs love.
Receiving instructions from God has to do with one of two things, loving Him, loving people (Mark 12:20-31 NIV).
The Ten Commandments are some of the best-known scriptures in the Bible. Summarizing the top ten rules from the Big Guy, we find the list of relational guidelines in Deuteronomy 5:6-21:
- No other Gods before Him
- Do not worship false gods
- Do not take the Lord’s name in vain
- Remember the Sabbath
- Honor Father and mother
- No killing
- No adultery
- No stealing
- No lying
- No coveting
Every single one of God’s commandments is about relationships. When God directs us, it’s relationally. Our three primary relationships are with God, others, and ourselves. God’s word is full of how we are to handle those relationships. Surrendering our lives to God means showing affection to a world that desperately needs it. Jesus paved the way with His actions on the cross. He illustrated the lengths God is willing to go to have a relationship with us. When God directs, He directs with love.
Persevere in love.
God’s love perseveres at all times, good and bad. No matter what our feelings try to tell us, God’s affection for us overrides any lies we believe. Recently, in a Daily Devotion from Rick Warren, he talked about forming our lives around lies we believe. For me, I created my life around the lie that I am worthless. Misinterpreting signals as a child led me to the wrong conclusions. Now, as an adult, God’s persevering love is revealing His truth to me and healing me of those lies.
Depending on which version of the Bible you use, the word “love” appears on average 610 times. Every book in the Bible talks about God’s love in some form or fashion. The thread that ties everything together is love.
Wherever God is directing you, you can believe, He’s calling you to love.
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Lord, You rock. Your love for us is something our minds have difficulty understanding, but we know You do. Forgive us for not loving well, You, others, or ourselves. In whatever area we’re struggling to show affection, help us do better. Especially with ourselves, Lord, help us truly believe You love us unconditionally. Let love become our calling card in all we do. IJNIP. Amen
Question for reflection
What area do you need God’s help to show His love?
