There’s no better way to start the week than by filling up with God’s Word. So each Monday morning join me here to take a brief, but reflective look into a passage of Scripture.
When we lived in Casper, Wyoming our church had a reputation in the community. Everyone knew us as the people who loved each other. Great reputation to have, right?
If one of us ended up at the hospital, others were there. If one of us was grieving, others came to comfort. If one of us needed help, others generously gave assistance. And people noticed.
This is exactly what Jesus meant in John 13:34-35:
A new command I give you: love one another as I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. NIV
The Greek word translated as “love” is agape. This is the same word used in 1 Corinthians 13, “the love chapter.” Agape is not brotherly love or physical desire. Agape is the same kind of love God has for us. Agape is love expressed in deliberate action. It seeks the welfare of others. It is not dependent on their character or emotion, but is based on the character of the giver.
We can choose to act with agape towards another person. In fact, Jesus commanded us to love others like He loved us.
How did God show His love for us? (If you need help, read Romans 5:8.)
Aren’t you glad God’s love for us is based on His character and not ours?!
Love the posts about Jesus’ love. Yes, we must imitate that love. And CASPER? SO cool. My husband is the bishop of Holy Family Anglican in Casper. And it’s the setting for my latest WIP, a Christian Fiction novel. How fun! Love these connections! God Bless, Holly
Hi Holly! Glad to know you’re in Casper. I’ll have to watch for your book! We really loved living in Casper. The way God connects us is definitely cool. There is a family in our new church here in the Houston area that were members of the same church in Casper. They weren’t there until after we had already moved but now we have that connection!
One of my favorite passages about God’s never-ending love is John 3:16, For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (NKJV)
I think there was a movie out entitle Neverending story, but God’s great love IS THE NEVER-ENDING STORY.
June, that verse is a great testimony to God’s love for us! Thanks for the reminder!
http://heretofindhim.blogspot.com/2012/03/good-fruit-monday-minute-in-word.html
I love your concept! I actually took a passage off your list of ways to pray for other Christians. Colossians 1:10. I will pray not only that others spend their lives glorifying Him but also that I can spend my life in such a way. Live for Him, not for me!
Megan, thanks for stopping by! So glad to know you found the prayer list. Right now I am working to memorize Colossians 1:9-14. It is such a powerful passage and full of things to pray for others.