Bible Reading: Daniel 3-4; 1 John 3.
Memory Verse: “In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.” 1 John 3:10 (KJV).
Romans 13:10 (KJV) says, “Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” Whoever loves his neighbour indeed as instructed by our Lord Jesus will not seek for his harm rather, he will seek for occasions to bless him. It is love of God that made him to send the Lord Jesus Christ to die a cursed death for our sins.
The Bible gives the characteristics of love to us clearly in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (NKJV), “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; [5] does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; [6] does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; [7] bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. [8] Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.” When you are offended how do you react?
The importance of love in a Christian race cannot be overstated and one has to measure every action against the yardstick of love stated in 1 Corinthians 13 before taking it. Whatever does not pass that standard should be discarded while focusing on acts that will enhance Love. No wonder Apostle John said in 1 John 3:10 (KJV), “In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.”
Unfortunately, the world is devoid of love, otherwise the various wars all over will not be taking place. Similarly, there will be no place for strive if there is love. This is why those who profess to be Christians need to examine themselves whether they truly love their neighbours.
Since charity begins at home, we need to ask ourselves, how well do we show love to our spouse, family members, fellow Christians and even unbelievers around us! The last time you were offended, how did you react? Looking back did you show love despite the fact that you were hurt? Remember our Lord Jesus while hurting on the cross said of his tormentors to God Almighty “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34 KJV) Love entails forgiveness and long suffering amongst others. It’s time to remember that we should show love always!
Prayer: Father, help me to love as you do in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero