MAY 7, 2025 ~ FROM A PASTOR'S HEART

MAY 7 DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READING: 1 JOHN 5:1-5

There is a huge difference between the way the Lord and the world defines love. Biblical love sees others...worldly love is about self. Biblical love is a decision that touches our emotions...worldly love is based on emotions. Biblical love is about giving...worldly love is about getting. Biblical love does not keep a scorecard...worldly love makes sure we get at least our fair share. Biblical love cares for others...worldly love cares for self. Biblical love is concerned with truth and what is right...worldly love is driven by manipulating truth to get what one wants. Biblical love is demonstrated by the willingness to lay down one’s life for another...worldly love demands that others give up everything for us. Biblical love is offered even if it is rejected...worldly love demands to be loved in return.

Our greatest example of genuine love is the Lord. "For God so loved...He gave His one and only Son" (John 3:16). "But God demonstrated His love...while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). "Greater love has no man...than to lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13). The Scriptures go on and on about the reality of God's love. It is God's love that is our final example of how we are to love. We are to love our family, our friends, fellow believers, our enemies, and we are to love God. This love is not based on a feeling. It is based on a decision. This decision touches every part of who we are and impacts the way we treat others. Our love is the evidence that we are truly followers of Jesus.

Please share your thoughts.