Morning Devotional 041424 Love Like Christ

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

  April 14, 2024

1 John 3:16-18

16 This is how we know love: Jesus laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 17 But if someone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but refuses to help—how can the love of God dwell in a person like that? 18 Little children, let’s not love with words or speech but with action and truth.

Good Morning! Jesus taught us to love one another.

It is easy for most of us to talk the talk. We see someone being treated unjustly, and we admonish those who are being unjust. We might join in on social media condemning the actions of the perpetrators. We even join in a prayer group asking for intercession. 

All of these are reasonable and good things, but these are just the first steps. When we pray we should ask God for the strength to act on behalf of those being mistreated. Most of us lack the strength to do this on our own, so we must call on God to empower us with his truth and mercy. 

To walk the path of Christ requires great faith. How far are we willing to go in support of those in need? Christ made the ultimate sacrifice, giving his life so that we might be free. 

18 Little children, let’s not love with words or speech but with action and truth.

Gracious God, Thank you for this beautiful gift of life. You love us so much that you sent your son to set us free. Help us learn to love others as you love us. We thank you! In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: Show God’s love by bearing others’ burdens.

Share love! Pastor Liz