We Grow: A Journey of Drawing Closer to GodSample
Day 91 of 365
Loving our enemies is one of the most challenging commands that Jesus gives us in Luke 6: “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” This radical love is not something we can achieve on our own; it requires the power of the Holy Spirit to love in this way. Human nature pushes us toward revenge or resentment, but the Spirit empowers us to love, forgive, and bless even those who have hurt us.
In Deuteronomy, we see laws that reflect God’s heart for justice and fairness. These laws were meant to guide His people in their interactions with each other, ensuring that justice was upheld and that people were treated with kindness and respect. But Jesus takes this even further. He calls us to not just seek justice but to extend love and mercy to those who may not deserve it. This type of love is a reflection of God’s love for us—a love that is unconditional, sacrificial, and transformative.
We cannot be agents of His love without the help and power of the Holy Spirit. He enables us to love others in the way that Jesus commands. Romans 5:5 reminds us, “God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” This means that we don’t have to muster up the strength to love difficult people on our own. The Spirit fills us with God’s love, giving us the ability to love in ways that are beyond our natural capacity.
Is there someone in your life who has wronged you or hurt you? Someone who is difficult to love? Today, ask the Holy Spirit to empower you to love them as Christ loves. This kind of love is not based on feelings; it’s a choice empowered by the Spirit. As you surrender your hurt, anger, or bitterness to the Lord, the Holy Spirit will fill you with the love and grace you need to extend forgiveness and compassion.
Remember, the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, and He is able to empower you to love even in the most difficult situations. Let the Holy Spirit fill your heart with God’s love today, and trust Him to lead you in radical, Spirit-empowered love.
S.O.A.P
Scripture:
Observation:
Application:
Prayer:
About this Plan
We Grow: A Journey of Drawing Closer to God is a 365-day Bible reading plan led by Bishop Gary Lewis, the General Overseer of the Church of God. The plan is designed to deepen your faith and understanding of God’s Word. Each day begins with a short devotional, followed by carefully curated Scripture readings, and concludes with the S.O.A.P. exercise—Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. Through this plan, you’ll grow in biblical literacy, discover God’s mercy and purpose, and learn to partner with Him in His Kingdom work.
More
We would like to thank Four Rivers Media for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: https://glm.audiencetap.com/qc/n7PUCPcq4kqJ9