Your Daily Devotional for July 8, 2006

 

July 8, 2006

 

Let Love Abound

by Dr. Paul Chappell

 

 

“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.”

 

1 John 4:7-11

 

Philippians 1:9 says, “And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment.” Notice the word abound. It literally means to “gush or pour like a river.” Stop and think about that for a minute. Our love is supposed to pour out from us like a mighty rushing river!

 

Christian living begins with loving. First John 4:19 says, “We love him, because he first loved us.” If you are truly a born-again believer, then you will have the love of God in your heart! When we think of all that Christ has done for us, how can we not love Him?

 

Not only are we to love Christ, but we are to love those around us. We are to show Christ’s love through our life to others. First John 3:14 says, “We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren….” People should be able to tell that you are saved because of your love for the believers. Love is a distinguishing characteristic of God’s people. You can always tell a mature Christian by the smile on their face and by the love in their heart.

 

How can we show this love? Well, as 1 Corinthians 13:1 says, “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.” We can have the greatest singing voice, the best speeches, or the best musical ability, but without love, it means nothing. We show Christ-like love when we help carry another’s burden, care for the lost souls of men, and help those in need. Only when we have true love, will these acts become a delight and be profitable to God.

 

Sometimes, churches can be filled with dramatics, organization, lights, camera, and action—but no love! We need to remember to never get so busy with the organization and operation of daily life that we forget about the people around us. If we don’t take time to care for and love our family, friends, co-workers, and fellow church members, then we have missed the point of Christian ministry.

 

Many years ago a shabbily dressed boy trudged several miles through the snowy streets of Chicago, determined to attend a Bible class that was conducted by D.L. Moody. When he arrived, he was asked, "Why did you come to a Sunday school so far away? Why didn't you go to one of the churches near your home?" He answered simply, "Because you love a fellow over here."

 

Friend, love is what makes the difference in some people’s lives. Most people are looking for love, but some are finding it in the wrong places. Love is not about how much you can give but about how much you allow Christ to love through you. Let’s remember to let our love pour out from us at all times! Christ loved us, so why not be a carrier of that love and show it to everyone around us!  Take a moment right now to think of someone who could use a little encouragement and jot them a note or give them a call.  Express Christ’s love today!

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