Growing in LoveSample

A Growing Love Is God-Dependent

It’s easy for our lives to become so busy that we miss out on what really matters. But in this season, God has been showing me the importance of relationships and growing in love. Over the next few days, we’ll explore how we can grow in our love for God and others so that we can experience God’s ultimate desire and calling for us—to experience and live from His love.

In fact, Scripture tells us in Matthew 22:37-40 that loving God with all we are and loving people as ourselves fulfills all the law and prophets. 

You probably already knew this. But it’s easier said than done, right? 

Instead of making a million excuses about why this seems impossible, I’m choosing to grow in these most important callings. And I’m guessing you want to do the same. 

So, how are we able to truly love like this? We actually can’t—on our own.

We need to look to God—the source of love! The Bible teaches us that God is not only the source of love, but God is love (see 1 John 4:16). As Christians, we are now able to sincerely love because we have firsthand experience of His gracious love for us (see Philippians 2:1-2). 

Although we will never arrive at perfect love on this side of heaven, we can always grow in our capacity to love. And living from God’s love is possible when we learn to acknowledge and depend on Him in each moment. 

Remember what your life was like before you experienced God’s grace and forgiveness? Pause and name three internal blessings you now enjoy as a Christian. 

When we realize, cling to, and delight in who God is, real love will result!

Let’s look to the example of our Lord Jesus:

Jesus told those who criticized and doubted Him that everything He did and said came from His heavenly Father’s guidance. And as a result, what people witnessed in His life was a completely compassionate, eternity-altering love. 

If we’re going to grow in love, it won’t come from trying harder or relying on ourselves. We’ve got to learn from Jesus and pursue a deeply intimate relationship with God through prayer. 

We’ll need to be Bible-informed to gain knowledge about walking in love, and we’ll need learn to look to and depend on His life in us. When we do this, love will become an overflow of His goodness in our lives.

Pray: Take a moment to talk to God. Confess your need to depend on Him more. Express to God the thrill it is to be His child, and ask Him to reveal specific ways you can live from His Holy Spirit within you. 

Learn more about Life.Church Sisters and watch Pastor Amy’s accompanying message, Love Like Jesus.