What good is love, really, unless it is true?
Actually, love requires trust, and none is more trustworthy than our Creator.
Trust God now to show you trustworthy love, and to grow it more deeply within you.
We love because he first loved us. Those who say, “I love God,” and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also.
1 John 4:19-21
Throughout history, people have done drastic things to try to please the God or gods they believed in. Animals and even people have been sacrificed. Crusades have been waged. Witches have been hunted. Heretics have been burned.
Those events probably sound archaic and foreign to us, but how about these? Friendships are ended. Families are divided. Fingers are pointed. Doors are closed. Names are called, all in the name of the God we are trying to serve.
Jesus never instructed or gave us the authority to judge and condemn. Rather, “the commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also.”
Maybe it’s human nature to want to do drastic things to please God. There is nothing more drastic than loving everyone, regardless of whether we agree with them, understand them, or even know them. That’s a huge thing to do, so huge it requires a God-sized love. The good news is – that’s exactly what God gives us.
Julie Ball
Amazing God, I want so desperately to please you. Help me remember that you haven’t asked me to win battles or even arguments for you. Thank you for giving me only the task of love, and for equipping me to do it. Amen.
Hear the voice of God so tender, gathering us in righteousness.
Giving, as our sure defender,
Steadfast love and faithfulness.
Bless God's holy name together, as the Spirit brings new life.
Giving, as our sure defender,
Steadfast love and faithfulness.
Lavon Bayler