Challenge of the Day!!!
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34, 35
I recently visited a church where the congregation sang an awesome love song to the Lord. When I left, the Lord said to me, “If half of the people who SANG about their love for me actually SHOWED that love, then the world would truly know who I am”. He went on to say how in most instances we really don’t know how to express authentic love. This is because what we call love is not true love, but usually some warped expression that has been passed on to us by others who were also unclear on the definition of love. He said, “It’s so simple! I’ve shown you exactly what love is and even had it penned in I Corinthians 13.”
Sadly to say….normally, we will show expressions of what we call love to those to whom we think or feel are deserving of it. Or to those who: look, sound, and smell like us! …Those who shop where we shop, eat where we eat and drive the vehicles complimentary to ours. Now don’t misunderstand – it isn’t wrong to enjoy the “finer things” in this life. However, it’s now time to realize and begin to comprehend the full essence of God’s unconditional, uncompromising, “no holds barred”, love for us. It’s time for you to realize that God needs to use you to extend to others the type of love that He has shown to you. It’s time to for us to expand our mindset, slay that demonic spirit of pride, and begin to be an example of the love that we sing about.
So the mission for today (Should you decide to accept it!) …. is to SHOW an expression of unconditional love to someone that you normally would not consider. What about those who wealthier, wiser and are financially more stable than you are…..(at this time!) Many times, we consider those that we deem less fortunate than we are. However, there are many on the other end of the spectrum whoa are greatly in need of experiencing the authentic love of the Lord.
Ask the Holy Spirit to work out all of the details….and He will. He is just waiting for a “Yes” from you. Then, daily ask the Lord to use you, as the channel through which He can show this dying chaotic world who He really is. People need to know that there is hope… and that all is not lost. They need to know that we have a God who is still the Lord over every situation and circumstance…. and who loves them unconditionally!
Yes, it’s okay to sing about the love of the Lord…. And that appeases us. However, it’s far better to SHOW His love…..and that pleases Him!
“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.” Romans 12:9-11 (ESV)
(Read: I Corinthians 13 in the Amplified Version and in The Message Bible)
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