1๐n 4:8 K๐V H๐ ๐ญh๐t l๐จv๐t๐ก ๐งo๐ญ ๐คn๐จw๐t๐ก ๐งo๐ญ ๐o๐; f๐จr G๐จd i๐ฌ ๐ฅo๐ฏe.
Today’s Devotionalโฆ
Think of someone you hate, or someone you just don’t like, even for valid reasons. Don’t just read, pause, and thinkโฆ
Well, if you got a name or two, then they are simply a test to try your very nature. You are love, and you are built to love just as your Father is love.
Hatred mostly hurts you when you engage in it because your default nature is the very nature of God, and that is love.
Remember, when Jesus was being crucified, He forgave even the very people who were actively involved in the act. Yes, that is the true test of love.
Love is tried when all the circumstances surrounding a relationship suggest that you should hate. Jesus passed this test, even on the cross!
So, who is that one person who has hurt you so badly that you think you can never forgive? If Jesus forgave His killers, what about you?
God will only test your nature by telling you to love certain people in your life who might have hurt you greatly. For God Himself demonstrated His love for the world by sending Jesus to die for men who were yet sinners.
The Bible says in Matthew 5:46: If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much.
True hatred is manifested when someone you genuinely love, just desperately hates you for no reason. Similarly, true love is only made manifest when you unconditionally show love to people who hate you. Ponderโฆ
Forgive, and love your enemy; paradventure, you may find in him/her, a covenant brother or a sister, helping you both to chase ten thousand together, instead of one thousand alone. Ponderโฆ
Even if those you show love to continue to hate you, remember that no level of hate should be able to change your spiritual DNA which is love.
Think of someone you need to forgive today, pick up your phone, and just call them. God will do a miracle in their lives, and in your heart as well. May God bless you as you honor the voice of the Spirit, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen