In the message “Never Forget” we saw that God’s gift of salvation through faith in Jesus is our greatest blessing – a blessing we must never forget as we tend to become discouraged. God’s gift of salvation forms the main story of the entire Bible. In the beginning, “God created man in His own image” (Genesis 1:27). Then, when sin entered the world and man became separated from God, “He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
This is the greatest love story in all history; “While we were still {lost} sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). He died for you and me, and also for all those other lost sinners scattered around us. Jesus Christ, “who being in very nature God” (Philippians 2:6), was born in a dirty stable; “He made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant” (Philippians 2:7). He lived His life with the single purpose of dying so that ALL who believe could be eternally restored to the Father; “the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men” (Romans 5:18).
God loves us VERY much! And He doesn’t just love those who love Him in return or faithfully serve Him – He loves ALL. We are precious! Yes, God hates sin and will one day judge all who fail to believe; but His love – His offer of Salvation – extends to all…even to our noisy neighbor and difficult co-worker, our obnoxious family members, and those who hold differing views on a variety of social and political issues. He loves all!
God’s love is so much a part of who He is, and of who we ought to be, that Jesus commands us by His example: “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34). We are to love as Jesus loved; and as if this was too difficult a concept for our finite minds, we are commanded to love in terms we can all understand.
Galatians 5:14
“The entire law is summed up in a single command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'”
God wants us to love others primarily because He loves them and desires His love to be expressed through us! He encouraged this love by creating us with a natural capacity for love. When we are hungry we feed ourselves; when we are hurt we care for ourselves; and when we are down, we pray to be lifted up. These are natural expressions of self-love – the same love God desires we show to ALL.
Let’s evaluate our thoughts, words, and actions in terms of their effect on others. Are we encouraging or adding burdens? Are we building up or tearing down? Are we bringing others closer to Jesus or pushing them further away? Are we as loving to others as we are to ourselves? Let’s be His hands, feet, and voice of love in the world around us. Let’s begin to see others as through His eyes; and remember, we are ALL precious in His sight.
Have a Christ Centered Day!
Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries
**** Reading Plan ****
Apr 5 Deuteronomy 28:1-68; Luke 11:14-36; Psalm 77:1-20; Proverbs 12:18
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