1 John 3:14
It is clear that we have relocated from a system of dead works into the dynamic of authentic life in the way we love the family. Love is life; not to love is death. (Mirror Bible)

Do you still have some dying to do?

In this warfare, how you react in any situation, is an indicator of your relationship with Christ. You know you are saved because of your love not only for God, but for your fellow man. If you are not able to love, then you are not alive in Christ; you still have some flesh to crucify. How can you say you love God whom you have not seen and not love your fellow man whom you see every day? It’s a great question.

1 John 4:20-21 If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates (works against) his brother or sister he is a liar; for the one who does not love his sister or brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. 21 And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should also [unselfishly] demonstrate love to others and seek the best for them. (Amplified Bible, edited)

There are times you give yourself reasons for not taking time and not being patient. Whatever those reasons are, they are not valid in Christ. Your actions may not cause you pause, but they reflect poorly on the God you serve. Whatever happened between you and your fellow man, God’s wishes for you do not change. It’s easy to love someone who loves you, theoretically. Are you able to love the unlovely, the one who hates you, the one who disrespects you? You can if you love with the love of Christ.

Please agree with me as I pray:

Father, You have shown me that Your love surpasses my understanding. However, I cannot pretend like I don’t understand the type of love You require because I do. You taught me by allowing the death of Your Son for me. Understanding it and walking in it are two different things. Show me what stands in my way. Expose what is in my heart that keeps me from loving everyone; not just the ones who love me. I want to love the ones who mistreat me; who are unlovely; and who act like they don’t want love. I want to live a life of love that mirrors the love You give me…