Memorise: He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. 1st John 4:8
Read: Matthew 22:35-40 (KJV)
35 Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying,
36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
38 This is the first and great commandment.
39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
Bible in one year: 2nd Samuel 19:20, Ezekiel 42:15-43:12, Hymnal: Sing hymn 9
Message:-
Love can be defined as a strong feels of deep affection for someone, emanating from a firm decision to love that person.
The Bible offers us an understanding of the source, character and value of love based on the nature and actions of God. It teaches that God is the source of love and that His very character is love. If you have ever been so deeply and passionately in love with someone to the point of obsession, you may actually lose your appetite and forget to eat.
Your mind may become occupied with nothing else but that person. The object of your love is the last thing you think of when you go to bed and the first thing you think of when you wake up. It is clear from these descriptions that love involves the totality of a person. Love is the central theme of the Bible, and it is a primary characteristic of God’s nature. It is also the fundamental demand that God places on mankind towards Him and towards fellow human beings.
From the words of Jesus in today’s Bible reading, it is clear that we are expected to love God first with all our heart, soul and mind. However, we need to experience the love of God in our hearts before we can truly appreciate what true love is, and only then can we demonstrate this love to others. The love of God is revealed in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ as stated in John 3:16, which says:
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whatsoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Out of love, God gave His only begotten Son as the ultimate ransom for the salvation of humanity. He now commands everyone who has partaken of His love to reciprocate it by loving one another. Speaking in John 15:12, the Lord Jesus Christ said:
“This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.”
The Bible makes it very clear that love is revealed through action, especially what is done in the interest of others. Children of God should never be identified with envy, hatred, pride, selfishness or any form of wickedness, as all these are contrary to the nature of God they possess. We should naturally show forth gentleness, goodness and kindness to our neighbours. As Christians, let us always radiate the love of God with meekness, patience and joy. Love is greater than all spiritual gifts, as the best of these gifts is useless with love. 1st Corinthians 13:2 says:
“And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.”
Beloved, are you walking in the love of God?
Prayer Point: Father, please help me to love You with all my heart, soul and mind in Jesus’ Name.
Open Heavens Daily Devotional Lessons was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical Churches in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer's Ministries.
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