Choose Love

Do you love? I mean, really love? There are several groups and churches that practice various forms of Advent traditions. One of them is lighting 5 different candles to represent 5 different topics. Today we light the 4th candle, which represents love.

So many of us will say we love. We will say “I love you” to our loved ones. We will say “I love that” concerning a food or clothing item or vehicle or decoration or any number of things. But the question comes back to me, “do you really love?”

Love puts others needs and wants ahead of your own. Love forgives. Love is action, not just words. Having the love of God in you is a joy and is unconditional. You don’t have to earn it, but you do have to accept it. You must open your heart to it for it to have its full effect. You see, we have a choice. We can choose to accept God’s love and worship Him for that, receiving untold blessings. Or we can choose to chase after this world with a hardened heart, having no or very little joy, continuing to feel empty in a crowded world.

So, do you really love? Do you feel loved? If your answer is no or you are not sure or you only feel that way sometimes, you might consider committing more of your time to God. You may think you will miss out on what’s happening around you and you may be right. But you will gain so much more than the temporary gratification of knowing what’s happening in the latest TV show or who is dating who or what the latest sale is or when an actor is getting married or any number of other things that won’t matter a few days, weeks, or years down the road.

I pray each of us will commit more time to God during this season and each of us is filled with His love, then show it to everyone around us. God knows this world needs love. Do you? Will you be the one to show it?

John 15:9-17 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other.”

Reward of Love

We often look for rewards. We look for rewards for doing something good. We look for rewards for achievements. We look for rewards for going above and beyond. We look for rewards for pleasing someone else. We look for rewards in love.

When we have the love of Christ, we are changed. When we love Christ and allow him to change us, we receive a reward, even one we perhaps had not initially sought. The question we must ask ourselves is, “Do we really, really want to change for the better?”

We hear people say, “I wish my life was better.” Our lives can be better. In today’s passage, Peter gives us a simple recipe for making our lives better. He quotes from Psalm 34, so it is not a new recipe. It is a recipe that has been handed down through the ages—one that God gave His people long ago.

God’s plan for a better life for each of us starts with love. God loves us. He desires us to love Him. When we love Him, we follow His plan, His recipe for life. Our lives are far better. As with everything else in life, it boils down to our commitment. Are we committed to God? Or are we committed to ourselves? Here’s the thing, when we are committed to God, we reap the reward of a better life than we ever would if we are committed to ourselves.

I pray we all commit to loving God. I pray we follow God’s recipe for a good life. I pray each one of us experience the love of God and reciprocate His love. Follow God’s plan. Follow the age-old recipe. Receive the reward God has for you. Live your best life. Love God. Love one another.

1 Peter 3:8-12 Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

Legalism Versus Love

How do you live? What is your approach to life? Do you live by rules? Are you a stickler for following the law, policy, and implied direction from leaders? Or do you live by grace? Do you forgive both yourself and others?

Today’s passage is an interesting one. Paul is refuting Peter. In some respects, he is chastising Peter for continuing to live by the law. It is the final statement in a discourse in which Paul is effectually stating the Jewish law is no longer the governing source.

Now, we must not throw the baby out with the bath water. Paul is not stating the law is no longer good and should be completely ignored. He is making the point that the love of Christ is all encompassing. It not just includes the law but includes a new attitude that surpasses the law. In other words, to follow Christ is to hold yourself to a higher standard.

The higher standard means we must think through every situation. It means not being so rigid there is no room for grace, mercy, and forgiveness. It means we must allow for mistakes made by both others and ourselves. That is the love Christ has for us and calls us to live by.

In effect, Paul is saying we cannot just follow a set of rules. We cannot simply go through the motions as dictated by guidelines and traditions. We must go beyond and live with love. It is the same love Jesus stated in His two greatest commands—love God and love neighbor.

I pray we all live in the grace of God. I pray we set aside our legalistic views. I pray each one of us choose to love others and ourselves as Christ loves us. Live by a higher standard. Love with the love of Christ. Love others. Love yourself. Show grace, mercy, and forgiveness.

Galatians 2:19-21 “For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!”

Making God Smile

Many of us have seen people holding signs at sporting events with John 3:16 written on them. We may be able to quote that passage. But how many of us fully appreciate not just the words, but the meaning of that passage?

We know intellectually Jesus gave himself up for us. We know God sent Him to be the perfect sacrifice for sin. We understand because of His sacrifice our sins are forgiven, we are given hope, we are saved, and we are promised to spend eternity with God.

Isn’t that all we need to know? Not quite. As mentioned numerous times in these devotionals, it is not enough to simply know these things intellectually. They must sink into our heart. They must infiltrate the core of our being. We must come to understand the love God showed to us in a much, much deeper way.

Let’s think of it like this. Picture someone you know who is fragile, near helpless. They are in need of someone who will do for them since they cannot do for themselves. It may be a small child, someone with a disability, or someone with a debilitating illness. If you love them, what lengths are you willing to go to as a provider or assistant?

We are the helpless person. We are incapable of living the perfect life Jesus lived. Therefore, we need a perfect sacrifice. God loves us so much that He sent His Son to be our perfect sacrifice. He loves us so much that He provides for our needs, most importantly our need for love.

Paul tells the church in Ephesus to follow God’s example. We are to love one another as God has loved us. Notice it is a fragrant offering to God when we sacrifice ourselves for others out of love. I suggest we think of following Jesus’ example of love like following in the footsteps of a human mentor. The mentor smiles and gives us praise for doing well. God smiles when He sees us doing as Jesus did.

I pray we all know deep in our heart God loves us. I pray we choose to follow Jesus’ example. I pray each of us love one another sacrificially, causing God to smile. Follow Jesus’ example. Love as God loves you. Show God’s love to others. Love sacrificially. Make God smile.

Ephesians 5:1-2 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Like-Minded in Love

What does it mean to be like-minded? Who do you want to be like-minded with? Does being like-minded sound like being united? What about being of the same spirit? What does that mean? Do you want to be of the same spirit with someone?

Being of the same mind and same spirit probably makes sense for a spouse. After all, thinking alike, having the same interests, and pursuing the same goal aid in keeping a relationship strong. Otherwise, we are likely to decide to go our separate ways.

Most of us also have similar tendencies, interests, thoughts, and goals as our parents. Over time, as we mature and are exposed to different experiences, those may change. Yet, what we learn from our parents will stick with us, even if we don’t always agree.

But is there someone we should be of the same mind with, regardless of who we are? Yes. God wants us to be of the same mind as Christ. He wants us to be of the same spirit. And we can. When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, He puts His Spirit in us—the Holy Spirit. As we listen to Him and follow His guidance, we become of the same mind. This is how following Him changes us in a positive way.

The most important way God wants us to be like Christ is in our love. As we love like Christ, we show the world who He is, we draw people to Him, we help increase the kingdom of God here on this earth. By the way, that also is obedience to His calling for each of us.

I pray we all seek to be of the same mind as Jesus. I pray we accept His Spirit and become of the same spirit. I pray each one of us show the same love Christ did to everyone we meet. Be like-minded with Christ. Be of one spirit. Be of one mind. Have the same love. Show Christ’s love to everyone you meet.

Philippians 2:1-4 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Discernment in Love

Have you heard people talk of unity? Do you know what they want to be united in? Is it a favorite cause of theirs? Is it a mere human cause that favors only a few? What if we were united in God’s cause, which favors all?

There are causes everywhere we look. It seems there is a new cause put before us nearly every day. You can find dozens of causes for the poor in your own town. There are causes for every race under the sun. There are causes for every choice people may make.

Each cause wants to have as many people as possible to unify with them. Most of these causes have good intentions, but there are some who do not. How can we know we are supporting the right cause or causes? Perhaps we need the right filter to help us discern the answer.

Paul tells the church in Colossae to be united in love. If we are united in love, the love of Christ, we are for every person. We are looking for what is best for each person as defined by God. God desires that each person be saved through His Son, Jesus Christ. He desires each person to love one another. He desires we all treat one another as a child of His. He desires we take care of one another. He desires we give up hatred and violence. Does that not sound like a filter that can direct our discernment as to which causes we should support?

Unity in love is more than words, though. It requires us to take action. Not necessarily marching in the streets but doing little things every day to show the love of Christ. Be kind to everyone we interact with, whether a stranger on the street or a family member. Speak truth in love to one another tactfully, but clearly. Show love in caring for one another. Mere words are insufficient and may be nothing more than hot air. Action speaks louder than any words we may speak.

I pray we all pursue unity in the love of Christ. I pray we use love to discern the causes we support. I pray each one of us put love into action. Love with the love of Christ. Be kind to one another. Discern causes to support through love. Love one another. Speak through action, not just words.

Colossians 2:2-3 My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Love Oneself

Have you ever taken time to think about the relationship among the Godhead? Have you wondered how the Godhead interacts and cares for one another? Are you confused when you hear about God being the Trinity and yet One?

I am convinced we, as humans, are not fully capable of understanding everything about God. One characteristic we don’t fully understand is how God is three and yet one. We struggle with the concept and often throw our hands up and give up.

Perhaps I can offer a point of view that will help. I am a father. I have my own children. I am also a son with a mom and dad of my own. I also have my own spirit or mind. Now, this is an imperfect example, but it can provide us a way to better understand God a little better.

So, what does today’s passage point out to us about God? First, it shows us that God is omnipresent—meaning God is always everywhere. The voice of the Father comes from heaven. The Son is standing in the Jordan, having just been baptized. The Spirit has just descended on the Son like a dove. We see all three personalities or viewpoints of God in this passage.

Notice the Father says He loves His Son and is pleased with Him. We can interpret this to mean that God loves Himself. This helps us understand one of the two great commandments Jesus gave, which is to love our neighbor as ourselves. God sets the example of loving oneself by loving Himself.

We must learn to love ourselves. Not in a selfish way, but in a self-confidence and in an introspective way. In order to love others, we must know ourselves, be comfortable with who we are, and care for ourselves. Once we love ourselves, we can show that love to others, just as God has shown His love to us.

I pray we all better understand who God is. I pray we seek to love ourselves as God loves Himself. I pray each one of us loves our neighbor in the same way we love ourselves. Seek to understand God. Love yourself. Love as God loves. Love one another.

Matthew 3:16-17 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

Mary’s Joy

As we approach Christmas day while focusing on the four weeks of advent, we review one specific word to focus on each week. This week is joy. As we look at Mary, we see the perfect attitude to achieve the joy we desire.

As Mary listened to the proclamation of Gabriel, she submitted to God’s will. In fact, she is remembered along with the most faithful servants of God throughout history. She was a good example and a foreshadowing of Jesus submitting to God’s will in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Though Mary used different words to express her submission to God’s will, she nonetheless submitted in the same way Jesus would submit on the night before going to the cross. How do we know her submission brought her joy? Mary tells us herself.

If we continue reading in Luke just a few verses further, we find Mary’s song which proclaims God’s glory and her rejoicing in God. That is real joy that can only come from God and from submitting to Him. Mary experienced the glorious joy only God can give.

We, too, can experience this type of joy. If we submit as Mary and Jesus submitted, we experience joy that is beyond understanding. When we submit to God, He blesses us with inexpressible joy. We cannot fabricate this joy, nor can we fool God with false submission. It must be from deep within our heart and with our whole heart.

Mary was not only a perfect example for her son but is a perfect example for us today. Her willingness to be a servant of God and be part of His plan continues to be a shining example for all to follow. Mary carried this joy with her all the days of her life.

I pray we all follow Mary’s example of submission. I pray we experience the joy Mary experienced. I pray each one of us submit to God and experience the joy that only comes from Him. Submit to God’s will. Be willing to serve in His plan. Trust God to guide you. Experience the joy that only comes from God.

Luke 1:38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

Inexpressible Joy

Do you know how to acquire joy in your life? Do you understand where it comes from? Is your joy inexpressible? Is it a glorious joy you cannot explain? Have you thought about your faith? Have you thought about your salvation?

Joy can be inexpressible, meaning we cannot explain it when asked what it is. Perhaps someone has asked you why you always seem to be upbeat, even when it appears everything is going against you. Perhaps you attribute it to being naturally positive.

However, when our joy comes from our faith in Jesus Christ, it is not simply a positive attitude, whether it comes natural or not. Our faith and trust in Jesus, along with allowing Him to take control of our lives, brings a joy we cannot explain. He gifts us with His Spirit and fills us to the point of overflowing.

We can also point to the knowledge we are guaranteed salvation. When we fully grasp what that means, this world no longer has a hold on us. So, when everything goes against us, when we are in the midst of experiencing troubling situations, our joy remains. Growing in our knowledge of God, what Jesus has done for us, and the promises He has made to each of us increases our joy.

Knowledge, understanding, and trust increase our faith. As our faith increases, we desire to know God more. The more we get to know Him, the more our faith grows. As our faith grows, so our joy increases, to the point of being glorious. It becomes inexpressible, but no longer unexplainable.

I pray we all experience the inexpressible joy of Christ. I pray we pursue our knowledge and understanding of God. I pray each one of us grow in our faith, thereby growing in our joy. Trust God. Increase your faith. Experience inexpressible joy. Explain it as coming from Christ.

1 Peter 1:8-9 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Joy in Trials

Have you ever considered it to be a joy to face trials? Have you thought about the good that can come from facing challenges? Can you see the good God is working in your life as you persevere through trials and challenges?

We may not mind facing challenges. In fact, many of us will purposely seek out challenges in our lives. We are driven by a good challenge, especially when it is related to our personal interests—when it helps us achieve a goal.

But we don’t typically care for trials. Trials are challenges not related to our interests nor our goals. Often, they are hurdles we must cross or mountains we must climb. They can be obstacles to our goals. They may come about as a result of choices we’ve made. They may be a result of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Yet they are to be considered a joy.

James tells us to consider trials a joy. They test our faith, which produces perseverance. Perseverance is one of those traits we want to have, but don’t want to go through trials to achieve. Unfortunately, perseverance doesn’t come about without being tested nor without training ourselves to persevere. Perhaps that is why James says perseverance helps us mature.

Maturity is a goal many of us have and all of us should have. Maturity comes through experiences, many of which are trials and challenges. It is by overcoming trials that we mature in our thinking. It is by learning to do without that we appreciate what we have. It is by having to think through a problem to discern a solution that we achieve maturity. And James tells us as we mature, we lack nothing.

So, we are to consider it joy to face trials, knowing what those trials will produce in our lives. Our joy comes from foreseeing the result of the trial. Knowing the result of the trial can help us persevere through it.

I pray we all consider it joy to face trials. I pray we go through tests of our faith. I pray each of us hold onto our faith as we go through trials and grow in our maturity. Consider trials a joy. Hold onto your faith. Persevere through trials. Become mature. Lack nothing. Trust God.

James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.