Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – August 7, 2017
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. 1 John 4:16
Who loves or has loved you well? A relative, teacher, coach or friend who listens to you, who knows you and who encourages you? There is no doubt of their tender love toward you. Or, love from a loved one may come in the form of tough love that provides boundaries to potential painful consequences. An unexpected answer of a prayerful “no”, because their life experience discerned you were not ready for an irresponsible “yes”. To feel loved and to know you are loved fills your heart with hope, joy, peace, and love. God made us to be loved well and to live like this.
God’s love in Christ is the foundation of love for all who are His children. Like a proud parent after the wedding of their child expresses the joy of having a new son or daughter in the family, so our faith in Jesus unites us into the family of His heavenly Father. The same love the Father has for the Son is extended to followers of Christ. Wow! We can relish in and rely on God’s love for us and for our love for others to be made complete. Our Savior Jesus lives in our heart, so we live in God and His love—customized for us: irresistible, unstoppable and transformational.
“May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me [Jesus] and have loved them even as you have loved me” (John 17:23).
What is the fruit of living like you are loved? Peace because the Prince of Peace calms your soul in a sea of swirling circumstances. Joy because the joy of the Lord is your strength. Hope because He is coming back again to bring you back with Him. Security because you are assured by your Savior’s presence. Comfort because the Man of Sorrows soothes your hurting heart. Grace because the Lord’s indescribable gift is accessible and freeing. Trust because love never fails. Love because being a recipient of God’s love qualifies you to love others in Jesus’ name.
What if you don’t feel loved? You are beginning to doubt the Lord’s love and another’s love for you. Ask the Holy Spirit to do an appraisal of you, based on how your heavenly Father values you. Your Master’s mercy invites you to a great banquet of grace: feast on His love and fill your starved soul. Love is a risk, so be vulnerable with a loved one and they will begin to really know you and know how to love you well. Live like you are loved—celebrate your salvation in Jesus!
“But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me” (Psalms 13:5-6).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I receive Your abundant love so I can generously love others, in Jesus’ name, amen.Application
In what area of my heart do I need to apply the Lord’s love for comfort and healing?Related Reading
Psalm 85:7, 86:5, 15; Isaiah 54:10; 1 Corinthians 13:8; 1 John 4:7-11Post/Tweet today
God’s love in Christ is the foundation of love for all who are His children. #WisdomHunters #livelikeyouareloveWorship Resource
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