Make Up Your Mind
The two commandments given to us by Jesus are recorded in all four Gospels (Mat. 22:37-40, Mark 12:30-31, Luke 10: 27-28, John 15:12-13). The first is to love God and the second is to love people. In the book of John, Jesus reveals how important it is for us to love.
I have loved you, [just] as the Father has loved Me; abide in My love [continue in His love with Me]. If you keep My commandments [if you continue to obey My instructions], you will abide in My love and live on in it, just as I have obeyed My Father’s commandments and live on in His love.
John 15:9, 10 Amplified
Jesus is asking us to continue living in God's love with Him. This decision to love is a commitment similar to marriage. It is a choice to share our life on this earth with Jesus. When we say yes to this invitation, we are entering into a partnership with the Holy Spirit that initially sounds (and feels) like we are giving up everything but the reality is that we are gaining far more than we will ever give away.
The Bible tells us that our old way of life is over and we are now entering a new life, a born again, Spirit led life that will transform us and empower us to reach our full potential in every way.
This new life of love will feel awkward. We may even feel as if we are the only one who is trying to love people. Thoughts may cross our minds that tell us we are being foolish and that there is no way we can possible love people - especially those who have hurt us. When those thoughts come, I want you to remind yourself that Jesus did exactly that.
On the Cross, He prayed that all of those who had beat Him, tortured Him, and those who had a hand in killing Him would be forgiven. His blood covered those sins just as it covers all of your sins. God has completely forgiven you because that is what love does. It forgives. It covers sin and refuses to dwell on how others have done you wrong.
Love is more than an emotion. Love is a choice, a commitment, a decision. It is done on purpose and without any strings attached. Just like your clothes in the morning have to be put on your body before you leave the house, you have to set your mind on loving people.
But clothe yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah), and make no provision for [indulging] the flesh [put a stop to thinking about the evil cravings of your physical nature] to [gratify its] desires (lusts).
Romans 13:14 Amplified
Love is done on purpose. It requires forethought and planning and A LOT of practice. I have been studying love particularly for over three years and while I am not always perfect at it, I am much better than I used to be.
Set your mind on loving people today. Plan to find someone that you can reflect the love of Christ to. Don't wait to 'feel like it.' Just do it.
Loving people is hard but with the help of the Holy Spirit we can learn to love anyway.
Heidirn
I have loved you, [just] as the Father has loved Me; abide in My love [continue in His love with Me]. If you keep My commandments [if you continue to obey My instructions], you will abide in My love and live on in it, just as I have obeyed My Father’s commandments and live on in His love.
John 15:9, 10 Amplified
Jesus is asking us to continue living in God's love with Him. This decision to love is a commitment similar to marriage. It is a choice to share our life on this earth with Jesus. When we say yes to this invitation, we are entering into a partnership with the Holy Spirit that initially sounds (and feels) like we are giving up everything but the reality is that we are gaining far more than we will ever give away.
The Bible tells us that our old way of life is over and we are now entering a new life, a born again, Spirit led life that will transform us and empower us to reach our full potential in every way.
This new life of love will feel awkward. We may even feel as if we are the only one who is trying to love people. Thoughts may cross our minds that tell us we are being foolish and that there is no way we can possible love people - especially those who have hurt us. When those thoughts come, I want you to remind yourself that Jesus did exactly that.
On the Cross, He prayed that all of those who had beat Him, tortured Him, and those who had a hand in killing Him would be forgiven. His blood covered those sins just as it covers all of your sins. God has completely forgiven you because that is what love does. It forgives. It covers sin and refuses to dwell on how others have done you wrong.
Love is more than an emotion. Love is a choice, a commitment, a decision. It is done on purpose and without any strings attached. Just like your clothes in the morning have to be put on your body before you leave the house, you have to set your mind on loving people.
But clothe yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah), and make no provision for [indulging] the flesh [put a stop to thinking about the evil cravings of your physical nature] to [gratify its] desires (lusts).
Romans 13:14 Amplified
Love is done on purpose. It requires forethought and planning and A LOT of practice. I have been studying love particularly for over three years and while I am not always perfect at it, I am much better than I used to be.
Set your mind on loving people today. Plan to find someone that you can reflect the love of Christ to. Don't wait to 'feel like it.' Just do it.
Loving people is hard but with the help of the Holy Spirit we can learn to love anyway.
Heidirn
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