Passage of the Day:
And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 17 This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. 18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.19 We love because he first loved us. 20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. 21 And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister, 1 John 4:16-21.
Reflection:
If you are ever church shopping, looking for a local church to call your spiritual home, you’ll notice the smallest details most Christians overlook. Unfortunately, this is where you could become judgmental, dissecting every imperfection inside this body of believers. Since there is no such thing as a perfect church, falling short of God’s glory in some shape or form, Romans 3:23, you have to accept specific weaknesses. Maybe the worship music is outdated or subpar? Is the biblical teaching solid, but dry? However, my one non-negotiable for a home church is a spirit of love. As long as love is present, flowing inside and outside of church, I’m willing to accept other shortcomings.
Prayerful Actions:
Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God, Ephesians 5:1-2.
Learning to Love this December as God Loves You:
At the end of the first century, John becomes the oldest living disciple of Jesus. While other apostles and disciples were put to death for their faith, John was exiled to the Island of Patmos where the book of Revelation was written. If someone wanted to know what Jesus was really like, he could provide specific details from his 3 years as one of Jesus’ spiritual pupils. Yet, from an elder statesman perspective, John had visited enough churches to know which ones emulated the love of Jesus from those which were superficial. Genuine love follows the Golden Rule of loving one another without any exceptions like earthly brothers and sisters. When a spirit of charity in the form of forgiveness is demonstrated by a body of Christian believers, love is made complete.
Song of the Day:
Final Thoughts:
The love of God is a mystery to those currently living outside of a loving church. However, to anyone who has experienced a powerful movement of God’s love, this answer is found by listening to the hearts of Christians who have tapped into the power of the Holy Spirit, 2 Peter 1:3-4. Therefore, as you listen to the lyrics of Listen to Our Hearts, may you begin to grasp when love is made complete.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 