Journey: A New Believer's Guide to Spiritual GrowthSample

Jesus as our Model -- Love Everyone

Hebrews 4:12 is a bit sobering but also motivating. God has standards, but not to be a killjoy or because he doesn't want you to have fun. God has standards because he loves you, and he loves others. When we go against God's truth, we either hurt ourselves, others, or both. 

Jesus said all of God's law could be summed up in two commands: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. And, love your neighbor as yourself." This is where God wants us to focus and his warning is clear that this will be the standard he wants us to live by.

 How are you loving others? Not according to someone else's standard but God's standard. Are you loving your wife like Christ loves the church if you're a husband? Are you submitting to your own husband as to the Lord if you're a wife? Are you obeying your parents if you're a student? Are you honoring your employer? How can you show love to others today and fulfill God's standard of love?

Jesus clarifies the Old Testament law concerning love In Matthew 5:44. Jesus said yes, we should love our neighbor, but we should also love those who don't love us. He goes as far as to say we should love even our enemies and those who persecute us. Why? This is a demonstration of God’s love. God loves those who hate him and persecute him, so God's people should reflect that kind of love. 

Hopefully, you don't have too many enemies, but maybe you know people you don't agree with. Jesus says to love them. This is the highest, most noble act you can do for someone else. Not only that, instead of attacking those who persecute you, you are to pray for them. Why? Because this is how God has treated us. When we were enemies of God, he loved us. When we refused his love, he intercedes for us. Who needs love from you today?

Think of a few people that you might not get along with or have even hurt you. What do they need? How could you pray for them? Be specific and genuinely pray for them. Take a few minutes and think of ways that Jesus loved others. Then pray about how you can do those same things for those around you. 

Pray: Lord, you are welcome here with me. I invite you to come and speak to my heart. You know everything about me, and yet you still love me. Thank you for your acceptance and freedom to be with you. Lord, I thank you that you are good and you do good. There is no one like you in all creation. Open my mind and heart to your Word and help me understand your ways. Thank you Father for what you will do today. In Jesus' name, Amen.