"God is Love"

God Is Love

The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love. (1 John 4:8 NASB 95)
The Old Testament is based on law. The New Testament is based on grace. The Old Testament says, “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth” (Exodus 21:24). The New Testament replaces that revenge with love. Jesus summed up all the commandments with a new statement. In John 13:34, Jesus gives us a new commandment: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” This is a powerful statement. As is true for many of the
scriptures covered, I urge you to meditate on the scripture above. Note that Jesus clearly says, “a new commandment I give to you.” This is not a suggestion that He makes or something that would be nice to follow but is a command and the command is that we love one another as He loves us. He loved you so much that He died for you. Are you ready to die for your fellow man? Today’s scripture says that the one who does not love does not know God, for God Is Love. You can show love for your fellow man in many
ways. This includes all the people that you come in contact with each day, especially those that may not be at the same spiritual place you are, the same educational level, or the same social status as yourself.
Regardless of where they are in life, perhaps they could benefit from some appropriate spiritual enlightenment and encouragement. This is a place where you can shine. They may not be reading these devotionals. Share the encouragement that you are receiving with them. Never be judgmental. Let them see who you are in Christ by your words, actions, and love. Let them see the light of God’s Word shine through you. This means you need to be careful with your language, with the way you treat your coworkers, and your comments about your workplace, boss, etc. Don’t compromise your beliefs to get
them to like you, instead, through your actions (not just words) let them see you live the Word.
Prayer: Father God, help me to be ever mindful of who I am in Christ and of my call that You have given me in Your Word. Give me the words to say to encourage those around me, especially those that do not know You. Lead me to people that I can witness to for Your sake. Help me be consistent in my words and deeds and show Godly love at all times. Remind me to be encouraging and to lift them up my peers instead of putting them down. I want to be Your servant in everything that I do. Thank You for giving
me the opportunity to be a blessing and be a part of Your plan and Kingdom.
Amen!