in the word | week of Jan. 3rd

Posted by acgosser on January 3, 2010

Day 1: Read I John 4:7.

Many people spend their lives, as the song goes, “Lookin’ for love in all the wrong places.” So, how do we find real, lasting love? Love comes from God. In your journal list some ways people search for love in this world. Include your thoughts about how those sources of love may be lacking in true love. Pray asking God to teach you how to love others like He loves you.

Day 2: Read Matthew 22:37-39.

Many people think that God is only interested in rules. But God is all about love. Jesus, God the Son, reminds us of the most important “rule.” Meditate on Jesus’ instructions on how you are to love God. Ask God to search your heart, soul, and mind. Listen as He prompts you to respond in love to Him. Commit to obeying Him as He guides you in your meditation.

Day 3: Read Matthew 22:37-39.

Meditate today on Jesus’ instructions on how you are to love others. Ask God to heart, soul, and mind. Ask God to search your actions and words as well. Are there any areas in which you feel powerless to love others? Re-read I John 4:7. Pray and ask God to give you the love that you need to express toward others.

Day 4: Read 1 John 4:7-10.

Anything you have done that is not loving separates you from a loving God. You don’t have to murder or commit armed robbery to “sin.” Sin is simply breaking God’s commandment to fully love Him and others. His only Son Jesus Christ died and rose again to “atone” for your unloving behavior. Atone means to make “at-one.” When you confess your lack of love (sin) and believe that Christ died and arose for your sin, you are forgiven and are “at one” with God and His love. Talk to God about your response to this passage.

Day 5: Read 1 John 4:11-12.

Re-read today’s scripture as follows: “Dear friend, since God so loved me, I also ought to love others. No one has ever seen God; but if I love others, God lives in me and His love is made complete in me.” What a wonder? You live out God’s love to others. Do others see God in the way that you relate to them? Spend some time today reflecting on any recent experiences that God brings to your mind. Are there any words or actions that He would like to make holy in you?

Day 6: Read I John 4:11-12.

We get to know God and His love better through reading His love letter (the Bible), talking to Him (prayer), and being with those who also love Him (the church). The better we know God, the easier it is for us to obey His commandment to love Him and others. Re-read all of this week’s scriptures and spend some time praying and journaling as God speaks to your heart, soul, and mind.