Do You Love the World?

“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” I John 2:15

How important are your earthly possessions? Could you do away with television? Is your trust in that higher education? Consider the values you place upon the comforts and things of this world. Whatever takes precedence over your relationship with your Father in heaven separates you from His love.

Without the “love of the Father” resident in you, your love for the world becomes THINGS-oriented instead of PEOPLE-oriented. It was God’s love for people that caused Him to give His only Son to be crucified for the sins of the world. Loving and caring for people always requires personal sacrifice.

The Apostle Paul expended himself for others through a deep sense of self-sacrifice. “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)

Paul’s love was so great for his world that he said,

“My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you….” (Galatians 4:19) Keep the THINGS of this world that God’s blessing has provided but also cultivate a compassionate eye for the PEOPLE of this world.

PRAY: “Thank You, Father, for all that You have blessed me with. Help me to grow in Your love with a genuine compassion for others. Amen.”