Christian Devotional - Love, part 1

Love!




The month of February is traditionally a time to think
about love, especially with Valentine’s Day right around the corner. Over these
four weeks, we’re going to take a look at a book written by “the disciple whom
Jesus loved,” or John as he’s otherwise known. In his gospel he refers to himself by that
title and in his later writings it’s obvious the brother who once wanted to
call down lightning to destroy a town, has truly learned what it means to love
as Christ loves.



We’re going to study through the book of 2 John during
this month. This book covers some exciting and profound truths for only being a
scant 13 verses long.  Let’s look at the
opening verses this week and set the stage for where John is leading us.



2 John 1-3 “The elder, to the lady chosen by God and to
her children, whom I love in truth—and not I only, but also all who know the
truth—because of the truth, which lives in us and will be with us forever:
grace, mercy and peace form God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s
Son, will be with us in truth and love.”



Love is the underlying theme throughout that entire
opening and greeting that John wrote. He could either be addressing this to a
particular leader of the church, or to the Church as a whole. We see two key
foundational ideas about love in these verses.



First, we are to love others in truth. No matter what the
relationship, love is to be grounded in truth. Real love cannot be built on a
lie. John indicates that he loved the church in truth and that others also
loved them in truth. How was he able to love them? The Truth, Jesus Christ
(John 14:6), lives in us and is with us forever. Love is built the Truth.
Anything less is not real love.



Second, grace and mercy and peace all come as a result of
love. These things come from God, but it’s interesting to note that they are
with each of us in truth and love. If we have love, then it will follow that we
also have grace and mercy and peace. Are we lacking in any of these areas?
Then, we can assume that we are lacking in love and the truth that love is
built on.



As we look through the rest of this book over the next 3
weeks, realize that everything John is going to talk about is focused on love.
He wants people to understand and know love. He wants love to be the foundation
for everything that they do and think as love is a reflection of the Truth of
Jesus Christ in our lives.



As a quick side note, I love my dear friend Amanda who, a
year ago had this brilliant idea to bring the Sisters in Cahoots together. I am
deeply grateful to have been asked to be a part of this wonderful group of
women. I am encouraged and strengthened in Christ with every post and every
interaction with all of you. Happy one year anniversary Sisters in Cahoots! I
truly love all of you in Jesus Christ!

 
Kristi Burchfiel, Christian devotional author and speaker

Living in the World – Living out the Word

Check out my website and daily devotions either on my blog or on my Facebook page



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www.BooksByAmanda.com