Devotion

BFF: How do we show that we love God?

There are many ways that I show love to the people around me.  But the way that I show love to people at home I cannot do for God!  

I cannot cook Him tea or by washing His clothes!  I cannot take Him to after school activities or on holidays.  I cannot even give Him a big hug!

So where can I go to find out how to show that I love God?

The Bible is a fantastic place to start!  This is where we read and hear God talking to us and giving us instructions as how to live. 

In today’s bible readings we hear that God wants us to forgive others.  This is one of the ways that we show we love God.

Matthew 18:21-22

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”  Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”

           That sounds like we need to forgive ALOT!

Luke 6:37

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”

               This sounds like the 'Golden Rule'.

Colossians 3:13

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

          Forgive because we have been forgiven! (thank you Jesus!)

To forgive means that we no longer feel angry about or want to punish or get revenge on someone for something that they have done that has hurt us, something or someone we love or is important to us.

How do we do this?

We can say we forgive someone with our words.  But I think that we also need to 'give God' our thoughts and worries about this and ask Jesus to help us to let go.  This is can be a prayer. 

Sometimes we need to forgive ourselves for mistakes that we make or putting ourselves down.  Sometimes we need to forgive others for hurting us or letting others down.

Forgiving isn’t always easy but it is one of the ways that we can show God's love. Sometimes people don’t think that they should be forgiven because they think that they have done something so bad.  Fogiving someone doesn’t mean that you have to let them keep doing the things that hurt.  This is where God has put us in a community who can help us to forgive and be safe.  

How can we show that we love God?

• Forgive again and again.
• Treat others like you would like to be treated.
• Forgive because Jesus has paid the price and forgiven us. 

Blessings as you show love and forgiveness.

Evie Stevens