What Is Love?

2 John

The love Christians should have for each other, is a recurrent theme throughout the New Testament. Yet, love for one’s neighbor, is an Old Testament command, first appearing in Leviticus 19:18. There are many ways we can show love, including avoiding prejudice and discrimination, accepting people, listening to others, helping those in need, giving to the less fortunate, and keeping our opinions of others to ourselves. Just knowing God’s commandment to love is not enough. We must put it into practice, in order to truly satisfy God’s will for our lives.

(Inspired by Life Application Study Bible)

No Middle Ground

1 John 5:14-21

Those who reject walking in obedience to God, by default, align themselves with the will of satan. There are many people who have good intentions and oftentimes do good deeds, but all things done outside of the will of God, are equivalent to filthy rags. There’s no straddling the fence when it comes to Good vs. evil. Either God will be the source of one’s life choices and moral compass, or the devil will rule and abide in their hearts.

When God leads a man’s heart, living in a world of sin can become a bit easier to understand and navigate through. On the contrary, when we live outside of God’s will, we open ourselves up to all kinds of evil, and inevitable deception. The enemy hates mankind, and will do whatever is in his power to keep men from drawing close to God. Men and women all over the world, are distracted by things that seem appealing, but are strategically placed to turn their focus from the truth. God loves all men, and wishes that no one perish, but despite all the time, patience, and love He bestows to man, many will fail to enter God’s eternal kingdom.

The Darkness

Matthew 10

Why do some people choose darkness, rather than light? What causes men to gravitate toward things that cause chaos and division, rather than unity and order? Well, speaking the truth of God’s word is one sure way to turn the world against you. Jesus once told His disciples, they would face certain persecution, for speaking His truth to the world. The disciples were hated by countless men, who sought only to bring harm to them, simply for doing what Jesus instructed them to do. Even today, those who live contrary to the world, and its perverse culture, are seen as odd, or abnormal. Men today would rather hear lies, than truth. The word of God brings division. It separates those who yearn to grow in grace, and the knowledge of God’s wisdom, from those who have strong desires to please their flesh. Why do men love darkness over light? Because, their appetite for the world is far greater than their desire for the God who created it.

If Ye…, Then I…

Jeremiah 7:1-7

Blessings from God come in many shapes and forms. For example, someone who is sick, can receive a blessing of healing, while another who may struggle to find work, can be strategically set in the right place, at the right time, to land the perfect job. While God wants all His people blessed, some blessings can only be granted when certain conditions are met.

In the text, God instructed the prophet Jeremiah to call the people of Judah to repentance. The people were warned, if they amend their ways, and their doings, then God would bless them forever, and ever. Sounds simple, doesn’t it? Well, there were many in that time, who would use lying and deception, in order to draw God’s people away from Him. Unfortunately, some gave in to the temptations of those who opposed God’s way, and were denied the promises of God, for a season. With their disobedience, came the inevitable judgement of God the Father. But, it was prophesied, the people would eventually turn back to God, and He would still fulfill the promise He made to them.

I don’t know about you, but I prefer to simply obey now, and avoid any type of judgment that could hinder my blessings. I need God, like every second, of every day. So, I choose to fear God, and keep His commandments, so that my days on this earth can be filled with all the blessings He has in store for me.