Devotion

We show we love God by loving others...

Being loved is more than a desire. It’s a need. We are created to be loved and to share love in return. But it’s not always easy, is it?

Let’s face it. We all like it when love is reciprocated in a way that appeals to us. We feel valued, noticed, appreciated. A polite back and forth exchange of love, care and kindness.

“I’ll do something kind for you.”

“Thank you. And I’ll do something kind for you in return.”

“Thank you.”

It’s all very fair, and, well, nice!

But love isn’t always as easy as that. 

Self-less love is not expecting something good in return. There is a cost to it. The focus is not on ourselves, but on the needs of others.

It’s being encouraging, when the other person isn’t able to respond in kind. It’s giving without expecting something in return. It’s being a friend, when the other person hasn’t got the pleasant traits that we find attractive. In fact, they can even be challenging, difficult and downright unfriendly! Some of these ‘opportunities’ can leave us depleted, exhausted... maybe even hurt...

Loving others, especially in a self-less way, can indeed be challenging. It is good to remember that God’s supply of love for us is unfailing. 

‘For your unfailing love is higher than the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.’ Psalm 108:4 NLT

Jesus encourages us to stay connected to His love.

‘I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love.’ John 15:9 NLT

God is always wanting to fill us up with His love, so that we have a reliable supply to share with others.

Hmmm.... It’s an interesting flow chart when you think about it. As we love others, we are actually showing God that we love Him too!  

“And the King (God) will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’ Matthew 25:40 NLT

May God equip you with everything you need as you share His love with others today!

God bless you,

Georgie