Friday, November 2
1 John 4:19-21
We love because he first loved us. Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.
Devotional:
Today is day 4 in the hospital. My son, Ethan, is recovering from heart surgery. He is exhausted. My wife and I are exhausted. It has been a wonderful, but difficult week here. We have re-appreciated that life is fragile. From within the uncertainty and stress, we have cried tears (and prayers) of dependence. Yet, through it all, our faith has been strengthened.
Our family and friends have been so helpful, thoughtful, kind, and considerate. We have received prayer at all hours of the days and nights. We have been helped and we have been encouraged. My family and I have experienced the love of Jesus Christ through the love of so many people.
Yes, 1 John 4:21 is a command, but it can truly be easy to love others. All we have to do is remember Christ’s love for us. When we allow Christ’s love to be the source of our love for others, it is easy to obey Him. And when we obey Him, our Christian walk is effective. We make a difference (becoming personally more like Jesus and helping others grow in their faith) by remembering Jesus. One beautiful (and essential) way to remember Jesus, is through prayer. When I pray, I am remembering Christ. When I pray, He leads me to love. When I pray, He empowers me to love. Through prayer, we and others will experience the love of Jesus Christ.
Pastor Bill
Today’s challenge: pray today, but also schedule a time of prayer for tomorrow (and for the days to come as well)… that you might continue to respond to the constant call of His heart: meet Me here.