One Thing That Keeps Us Close to God
By Kelly Balarie
Bible Reading:
No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us.” – 1 John 4:12 NLT
We can’t give what we don’t have.
If I don’t have flowers in hand, I can’t hand them to you. If I come with an empty chocolate box, you will not taste that gooey caramel and dark chocolate on your tongue. If I don’t hold love, I won’t hand it to you.
We love because God first loved us. Do we behold and hold His love? Do we dwell in His love? Soak it up like a sponge? Consider it? Own it? Give thanks for it?
We cannot effectively give what we don’t have.
And it is very important that we give out love… Why?
First John 4:12 says, “No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us.” (1 Jo. 4:12 NLT)
To love is to know God lives in us. To love is to see God’s heart outflow through us. This is critical because the full expression of God is a full expression of love. The full bloom of Him is love.
And, I don’t know about you, but I can grow in love…
This weekend, I sat next to a woman at a sports game. I heard her mention something about her kids going to a church event. I took note of that. Yet, a couple of minutes later, she was cussing and complaining.
I asked myself, “What kind of church does she go to?” Before long, this woman’s endless talking gave way to such a headache that I had to get up and walk away from her.
I can’t take this woman…next time I’ll be sure to sit somewhere else.
Yet, today, I’m convicted. Love for her had no place in my mind. Grace had no place either. Instead, judgment reigned.
To remove myself from people in need to serve, or keep my own peace? Jesus didn’t do it.
He went to the lepers.
He felt it necessary to see a scandalous Samaritan woman.
He ate with the sinner.
Jesus didn’t run from people in need; He discerned and set them free.
Of course, my job is not to be Savior to this woman, but I can pray for her, I can extend compassion, I can smile upon her from the inside of my heart.
God knows, I’m not perfect either.
God knows, He loves me even though.
God knows, there are areas in my life where I am still a work in progress.
I am not obligated to be best friends with everyone, but I can love them in my mind, pray for them from my heart, and extend to them a gracious act of kindness from the deep gratitude I have for what Jesus did for me. Because Jesus loved me while I was yet a sinner, I can love them too.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
Do you often consider how loved by God you are? How much does God love you? How does God’s love flow through you as you love others?
How did today’s devotional speak to you? Share your thoughts in the Crosswalk Devotional discussion.
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Stop Overthinking Your Marriage: The C.A.R.E. Method that Builds Consistency
We're celebrating our 400th episode and tackling one of the most important topics in marriage—consistency. If you’ve ever struggled with feeling like your efforts to improve your marriage aren’t working or wondered if all those small daily actions really matter, this episode is for you.
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