2024-01-11
1 John 4:17 NLT
In today’s culture, the word “love” means different things to different people. You can love your husband or wife, your country, your dog, your new cell phone, and your car. But you don’t love your husband or wife the same way you love your cell phone or your car, right? The television and tabloid kind of love where you fall in and out of love at the drop of a hat isn’t real love, it’s selfishness and immaturity.
The Bible word “agape” (God’s love) is an unconditional commitment to love that’s rooted in an unchanging decision. It always gives, and doesn’t change whether the love is returned or not. It’s a decision of your heart to seek the other person’s highest good, no matter how they may respond. When the King James Bible translators came upon the Greek word “agape,” in addition to using the English word “love” to transliterate it, they often chose the word “charity.” This was meant to reinforce the idea that love is a selfless, unconditional, giving love. And as such, it directs kindness, respect, and loyalty toward the loved one. “God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect” (vv. 16-17 NLT).
What causes us to stand out from the world isn’t our words but our love for one another. When we can overcome our differences, when we can cross lines of denomination, race, and culture and truly love one another, the world is drawn to Christ and it pays attention to what we say (See John 13:35).
Soul food: Lev 15-17; Matt 5:1-12; Ps 46; Prov 1:32-33
2023-01-30
Ephesians 4:15 NLT
Jon Walker says: “It’s hard to… confront… it’s easier to stay superficial… to demonize one another when we don’t agree… and to cut and run at the first sign of trouble… But the Bible says, ‘An honest answer is like a kiss of friendship’ (Proverbs 24:26 NLT); it deepens relationships… and keeps our fellowship open and authentic, freeing us to speak the truth in love’… No more lies or pretense. Tell your brother the truth. Remember, ‘In Christ’s body we’re all connected… When you lie to others, you end up lying to yourself.'” (Ephesians 4:25 MSG).
Author Annette Smith observes: “Touchy topics are difficult for even close friends. Yet relationships involve flawed people who make mistakes and get into messes. Friends need to be able to count on each other, not just for fun and affirmation, but for instruction and correction. Committing ourselves to a friendship means because we care on a deep intimate level, we have the courage to speak up when a friend needs to hear tough words… True friendship comes with joy and responsibility… To avoid talking truthfully about a situation that’s hurtful, dangerous, or out of God’s will, is to dishonour the friendship and the friend.
When we’ve been trusted with the blessing of friends, we must love them enough to be willing to experience hurt, rejection, even anger. In the end, truth heals. Before addressing a difficult situation, if there’s any self-righteousness or the tiniest desire to get even, we should keep silent. Honesty… when it comes to touchy subjects must be accompanied by pure, loving motives.”
The Bible says, “Speak the truth in love… growing… more like Christ.” If your words aren’t bathed in love, they’ll hurt rather than heal.
Soul food: Gen 13-16; Luke 6:37-49; Ps 107:10-16; Prov 3:19-20
2023-01-24
1 Thessalonians 3:12 NIV
One of America’s most successful telephone companies created a TV commercial using the slogan, “Can you hear me now?” It shows a man talking on the phone, but the person on the other end can’t hear him. So, he repeatedly asks, “Can you hear me now?” The ad was designed to convey the message that this particular phone company delivers a high-quality signal and doesn’t drop calls. When your phone drops a call, you know it. And what’s your immediate reaction? Annoyance? Frustration? Anger?
In Everyone Communicates, Few Connect, Dr. John Maxwell writes: “When I interact with people… I know I’ve connected when I sense extra effort – people go the extra mile; unsolicited appreciation – they say positive things; unguarded openness – they demonstrate trust; increased communication – they express themselves more readily; enjoyable experiences – they feel good about what they’re doing; emotional bondedness – they display a connection on an emotional level; positive energy – their emotional ‘batteries’ are charged by being together;… unconditional love – they are accepting without reservation.
Anytime I interact with people and I see evidence of these signals, I know I’m connecting. I’ve learned what it takes to connect… and… to gauge when I’m succeeding. How are you doing when it comes to connecting? When you interact one-on-one with someone important in your life, do you receive these signals?… Even if connecting with others isn’t something you’re good at today, you can learn how to do it and become better tomorrow.” But first, you must genuinely care about the person you are trying to connect with. That’s why Paul writes, “May the Lord make your love increase and overflow.”
Soul food: Ecc 9-12; Luke 5:12-26; Ps 96; Prov 3:5-6
2022-06-22
2 Samuel 23:5 NLT
Whether in church or in the workplace, if you’re “the person in charge,” here is a question you need to seriously address: If you don’t love and take care of your own family, why should the people who look to you for direction think you will love and take care of them? Does that question make you uncomfortable? Does it cause you to react by saying, “My personal life is nobody else’s business?” Well, that’s where you’re wrong! You lead by example. And while the people around you may not feel free to tell you what they think of you, that doesn’t keep them from thinking it or voicing it to others.
In your quest for success, are you taking your family with you or are you leaving them behind? Are you giving them the time and attention they deserve, or are they routinely subjected to your frustrations at the end of a trying day? Are they more important to you than your career, your success, or your personal happiness? They should be. If you win every accolade and award available in the workplace and fail on the home front, what have you gained? Who will celebrate with you?
Psychologist William James said, “In every person… there is a deep craving to be appreciated.” And the shallow comments of fellow workers who praise your talent and accomplishments won’t meet that need. It can only be met in a home where acceptance, love, and encouragement bonds each family member together. Your home should be your haven – the place where you find shelter from the storms of life. What are you doing to make it like that?
Soul food: 2 Kings 21-23; Matt 20:17-28; Ps 139:13-24; Pro 13:25
2022-05-20
Psalm 119:105 NKJV
The psalmist highlights two important things Bible reading does for you: (1) It shows you your spiritual condition. In Bible times there were no paved roads, so when guests entered a house, they paused to wash the sand, dirt, and grime from their feet. That’s what Bible reading does. David said, “How can a young man [and an older one] cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word” (v. 9 NKJV).
(2) It shows you the direction you need to go. “Your word is… a light to my path.” When you’re faced with an important decision and you don’t know which way to go, God will guide you through His Word. David, who loved God’s Word and meditated on it constantly, prayed, “Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness” (Psalm 143:10 NKJV).
Many of the mistakes we make could be prevented if we stopped long enough to seek God’s guidance. He knows what lies ahead; we don’t. So “commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass” (Psalm 37:5 NKJV).
Just like children need to be taught to cultivate a taste for healthy food instead of junk food, you need to cultivate a taste for God’s Word. The psalmist said, “I will delight myself in Your commandments, which I love” (Psalm 119:47 NKJV). “Your word is very pure; therefore Your servant loves it” (v. 140 NKJV). Today ask God to give you a love for His Word. That’s a prayer He will answer!
Soul food: Titus 1-3; Matt 10:32-42; Ps 75; Pro 11:23
