Created To Love · Wednesday, April 17th

 

Pastor Chris

And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity (1 Corinthians 13:13).

Faith, hope and love are three creative principles revealed to us in the Word; they are positive forces of the recreated human spirit, and according to the Scriptures, the greatest of these three is love. The reason hope doesn’t disappoint is because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit: "And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us" (Romans 5:5). In addition, your walk of love secures faith in your heart, for faith works by love (Galatians 5:6). Can you now see why love is so important?
We function with God through love; without love, your faith wouldn’t work. Love is the bond of perfection (Colossians 3:14). The Contemporary English Version of Colossians 3:14 says, "Love is more important than anything else. It is what ties everything completely together." Walking in love, for the Christian, isn’t optional at all; it’s our life. You were created to love. God is love, and the Bible says our spirits have been recreated after the image of the One that created us; therefore, we’re the expression and epitome of His love.
Jesus said in John 13:34, "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another." However, being born again, and having received the Holy Spirit, love is no longer a commandment for you to obey; rather, it has become your natural way of life. In line with 1 John 3:14, love is the sign that you’ve passed from death to life! That’s the inner conviction as the spirit bears witness with your spirit that you’re a child of God (Romans 8:16).
Not only has God given you His love, He’s also given you the ability to love like Him. Let His love be seen in you and heard in your words; let others experience God’s love through you today.
Prayer
Precious Father, how gracious and kind you are to me! You’ve surrounded me with your love, your goodness, and your grace. Thank you for your love that’s been shed abroad in my heart by the Holy Spirit. I express it to everyone around me today, through my words and actions. Thank you for the blessing of your presence in my life, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
f u r t h e r s t u d y: 1 John 4:7-11; John 13:35

Daily Scripture Reading

1 Year Reading Plan : Luke 16 1 Samuel 1-2
2 Year Reading Plan : Mark 3:1-7 Leviticus 17