Love
By, Toni Smothers
Scripture Reading: Matthew 22:36-40
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Scripture Quote: (NIV) Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. . . 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a (NIV)
God commands that we love Him and one another in all circumstances. So, do you wake up shinning with love, or are you a bit groggy and grumpy? Maybe you are a “morning person.” So you hug your spouse and kids, maybe pet your dog. It’s easy to love your family. Still, have you never spoken a rude or cruel word to any of them?
Love satisfies us and can make us feel supremely complete. But speeding through our day, we can often throw love in the back seat while charging through the list of things we must do before we can stop long enough to realize that love is missing. That's why we were short with the lady at the cleaners. We saw some friends on the street but were too rushed to pause for any interaction, other than a smile and quick wave. "Love your neighbor as yourself." Hmmm - And where was God in your hectic day? Just saying, maybe we need to give this love thing some serious thought.
Today’s meditation: To love is a decision to obey God.
Memory Verse: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16