Daily Devotional
Do You Love with God’s Love?
“And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment.”
1 John 3:23
August 24, 2021
Ponder This
Most of us know we are called to love. But it will do you no good if you just grit your teeth and clinch your fist and say, “I'm going to love if it kills me.” You don't have what it takes; none of us does on our own. Love is not the way to God. God is the way to love. First John 4:7-8 says: “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” The only way that we can love is to have the love of God in our hearts. That love comes when we have been born of God. Are you born of God? The new birth is a transaction in which we come to the Lord in absolute sincerity and say, “Lord, I'm a sinner, and I can't save myself, but I need to be saved. Jesus, You died to save me, You promised to save me if I would trust You. I do trust You with all my heart. Come into my heart, forgive my sin, and save me.” The Bible says, in 1 John 5:1, when we believe, we’re “born of God.”
- Have you experienced the difference between trying to love in your own power and seeking to love others with the love of God?
- How might recognizing the way God has loved you help you understand better how to love others?
Practice This
If you have not yet been born of God, pray to receive Him today. If you belong to Him, take time today to intentionally and specifically show love to someone else in the way God has shown love to you.
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Front Porch Moments by Gayle Foster
WITH KEY INSIGHTS FROM HER FATHER, ADRIAN ROGERS
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”
