The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. Galatians 5:6
As joint-heirs of Jesus Christ, we are capable of doing things that we simply couldn’t do. Read John 15:5 and Philippians 4:13. What do these verses teach us? Without Jesus, we cannot do anything. It is that simple. With Him, we can do everything. What have you done in life that required you to draw your strength from Jesus, so you could do the impossible? Read 2 Corinthians 4:7. What is God’s goal according to this verse?
God is greatly glorified when we are enabled to do what we are unable to do. One area in life that we can’t do without Jesus is loving the unlovable. Read Galatians 5:6 in the NIV and KJV. What is this verse saying? Now from the KJV let’s look up the word “worketh”. What does it mean? Now read 2 Corinthians 5:7 and Galatians 5:6. According to these two verses, what are we to be doing? We are to live by faith and love by faith.
Faith is not getting God to do what we want. It is us believing that God can do what He says HE can and us discerning what He desires to do. Read Ephesians 5:1-2. What is verse 2 teaching us? What does the word walk mean according to Strong’s definition? It means to make one’s way, progress, to make due use of opportunities. God has called us to live according to our legacy. We are literally to love. Love is sacrificial. God has called us to love when we don’t want to; when we don’t feel like it; when we get nothing in return. Love when they don’t deserve it. When they are not worth it. When they don’t even know it. Love when it makes no difference. Is there anyone in your life that meets these statements that you need to love as God is asking you to?
Read 1 Corinthians 13:8. What are the first three words? What does this verse mean? Through Jesus, we can love all, and love never fails. By faith we love. We love our enemies by faith. We love our neighbors by faith. We love fellow believers by faith. We love our family by faith. We love our spouse, in-laws, children, rebellious teenagers, etc. The list goes on and on. We love by faith, not by our feelings.
Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-13. What are the characteristics of love that we are to exercise? Can we do this on our own or by faith in Jesus?
Dear Heavenly Father,
I ask that you help us to love all those that you have called us to love. I pray that our love is sacrificial. I pray that we will love and not by a feeling what we think love is or should be.
In Jesus Name
Amen
