The Basis For Love

“The entire law is summed up in a single command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Galatians 5:14 (NIV)

As you read the next fifteen devotional pages this month (traditionally known as the month for engagements and weddings), bear in mind that LOVE is the heart of the Gospel. The Bible says that “God is love, and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.” (I John 4:16)

“Dwelling” in God gives you the ability both to RECEIVE love and to GIVE love. People like to receive love, so why is it so difficult to give? Somebody once said, “LOVE is a four-letter word. . . two consonants: ‘L’ and ‘V’ . . . two vowels: ‘0’ and ‘E’ . . . and two problems:

‘YOU’ and ‘ME’!”

One thing is certain. God is pleased when you choose to love another. LOVE is the entire law (what God desires of man) summed up in a single command. When you obey this command, there is a reward of JOY.

Jesus said, in John 15:11 (NIV): “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete,” referring to obeying His commands and remaining in His love. He was very concerned that His followers experience all-encompassing joy while they walked here on earth. LOVE BRINGS COMPLETE JOY! Learn more about HOW to love today.

PRAY:
“Father, I desire to please You.  Help me to see my neighbor through Your eyes of love. Teach me to love others, and restore to me Your all-encompassing JOY.  In Jesus’ Name,  amen.”