Morning Devotional 123125 Love! It Is Enough

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

December 31, 2025 

1 John 3:16-24

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. 19 This is how we will know that we belong to the truth and reassure our hearts in God’s presence. 20 Even if our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our hearts and knows all things. 21 Dear friends, if our hearts don’t condemn us, we have confidence in relationship to God. 22 We receive whatever we ask from him because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him. 23 This is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love each other as he commanded us. 24 Those who keep his commandments dwell in God and God dwells in them. This is how we know that he dwells in us, because of the Spirit he has given us.

Good Morning! Love with action and truth!

Jesus taught us how to love one another, not just with his words, but with his actions. Despite this, we struggle with this basic command. We live in a diverse world filled with God’s children, each unique in their own way.

We tend to judge all who are not like us. Even when we say the polite or proper words, our actions don’t mimic our words. 

As little children, we love everyone. If you don’t believe it, observe a group of young children spending time together. They hug, laugh, and play without regard to race, language, or any of the prejudices that we apply. 

In a world where so many are lonely, love one another, my little children! That’s enough!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Redeeming Lord, you bless us abundantly! Open our hearts and minds to follow your teachings. Thank you. We love you. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

Thought for the day: Share God’s love with someone today!

Love one another! Pastor Liz