Some of you already followed that I am attempting to prepare physically (and failing at it), but I notice opportunities to prepare emotionally and spiritually. I recently was thinking about how just recently I was pondering on the lesson of the Prodigal son. There are three roles in that parable; the son, the brother, and the father. I have played the son and the brother. Recently, I have been playing the role of the father. The sad part is, I don't think I am playing the role very well. The Father was loving and accepting and was joyous when His son returned. I fear I was sad like the father, but I quickly went into a stage of bitterness and resentment. I wonder if the Father felt this way at all? I am actually quite saddened by the whole thing. Regardless. I hope I can get to a place of love and acceptance. I know that Christ calls me to do that, but when it is a situation that is near to your heart, it is difficult. I am seeking the Spirit of the Lord. The Spirit of forgiveness, for me, so that I can forgive as well.
This is great practice for my future daughter. It is amazing how ministering to other parents children, is raising me as a parent. I never saw that as a benefit, until now. I pray that I will be loving and accepting at all times, just like how my heavenly father was to me.
It is interesting, as I write this devotion, I can already feel my heart moving towards mending.
Day 24
Scripture
John 13 : 34-35
- 34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Wisdom
- So what does it mean to love one another? I mean that is a tough thing to do isn’t it? Jesus even tells us to love our enemies not just our family and friends. Because He says even evil people love their family.
- Love goes beyond just saying you love somebody. We all have said that we “Love” ice cream, chocolate, a certain TV show, or a movie. The English language really waters down the word “love.” But loving a person, truly loving someone means so much more. I wrote in an earlier devotional that true love is laying your life down for another. I would say that love is a verb! It is an action!
- We love each other by showing each other how Jesus loves us; by serving others, by helping someone out when you probably are sacrificing something of your own, by giving of your time to a person when you don’t have it. All things that Jesus has done for us. If we love Jesus we will do as He asks. We show we love Him by loving others, by carrying on His legacy.
- So go beyond saying you love someone; show them you love them. Send your mom or dad a card in the mail even if you live with them. Clean the house or do the dishes without being asked. Treat people with respect even when they may not earn it. Talk to a friend when they are hurting or struggling. Call an old friend or forgotten family member just to see how they are doing.
- Remember, you can say “I Love You” a thousand times, but if you never follow it up with action, the words mean nothing. I tell you this, “Truly loving others, is bringing them to Christ.” You can quote me.
Apply
- Who can you show love to? How will you do that in the next week?
- Practice regularly loving others by respecting others.
- Is there someone in your life that you know that needs love? How can you bring the Love of Christ to them?
Prayer
- Pray that Jesus fills your heart with His love so that you can show others. Ask Him to show you someone that you know that really needs His love. Let Him give you the courage and guidance to show love to that person. Pray that your friends and family are shown the love of Christ through you.
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