Friday, July 30

Read

We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters. If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person? Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God.

‭‭1 John‬ ‭3:16-19‬

Reflect

We love because God first loved us. As followers of Jesus, we are marked by the unconditional, irrevocable love of Jesus. It’s not meant to stay with us, for our own consumption; rather, we are to allow that love to overflow from us and transform everyone and everything around us. The love extends from us in our actions, our choices to do good and live like Jesus in the world. 1 Jn 4:16-17 says that GOD IS LOVE and that our love is perfected (made whole) in Him. He is the source of all love, and if He is in us, we must embody love, as well!

Who first showed you the love of God?

What are acts of love that you could practice, that would be challenging (yet helpful) for your discipleship and looking more like Jesus?

Pray

God, thank You for Your endless love for me. Show me how I can grow in my understanding and acceptance of Your love, and show me how I can more fully express Your love to others.