LOVE IS PROVED WHEN TESTED

TO THE BIBLE
Romans 5:8
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

LET’S TALK

God is love (1 John 4:8), and His love is a true and practical one: a love that’s selfless, liquid,and unfeigned; love that can be seen, felt, and touched. That’s His kind of love, and it takes the Holy Spirit to demonstrate it. His love is expressed toward people who are the objects of His devotion. The Bible says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son…” (John 3:16); not the world of things, but the world of humans. He created man and made friends with him. When mankind failed by disobeying God, it didn’t quench God’s love. Rather, the failure was an opportunity for God to further express His great love for man.

Our opening verse says, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Can you imagine that? While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us—not after we came to Him. Now, Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another” (John 13:34). How has He loved you? He loved you when you didn’t deserve it, when you were still a sinner: “But God’s mercy is so abundant, and his love for us is so great, that while we were spiritually dead in our disobedience he brought us to life with Christ…” (Ephesians 2:4-5 GNB).

This is the same way He expects us to love others. Love is proved when tested, not necessarily when everything is beautiful and in order. It’s proved when there’s a challenge or a need. When others seem to be most undeserving of love, it’s the perfect opportunity to demonstrate God’s love. Seize every opportunity to express your love today!

GO DEEPER

Matthew 5:44
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

1 Corinthians 13:13
And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

1 Peter 4:8 MSG
Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything.

SPEAK

I’m full of God’s love and I demonstrate it profusely and unconditionally, because the Spirit of God works in me, to lift, encourage, and build others, touching them with the compassion and liquid love of Christ, to the end that they may be established in the Kingdom of God’s dear Son! Hallelujah!

DAILY BIBLE READING

ONE YEAR
1 Timothy 6:1-21, Isaiah 61-63

TWO YEAR
John 7:20-31, 2 Kings 11-12

ACT
Spend time today meditating on 1 Corinthians 13:3 AMPC.