Dear Ones,
Today we explore the fruit of the Spirit by seeing how broadly love applies to our lives. Here is truth stated by the Apostle Paul to Timothy.
1 Timothy 1:3-5 NIV
As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work– which is by faith. The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.
Immediately, we observe that true love flows out of sound doctrinal teaching. This miraculous love must be grounded in the Truth, who is Jesus Christ our Lord. Paul says clearly that the ultimate goal of faith is to live a life of love! This love blooms out of a pure heart, a good (clear) conscience and sincere (unhypocritical) faith.
The Apostle Paul gives us a similar command in Ephesians. One step at a time we progress by loving God and others.
Ephesians 5:1-2 NIV
Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Ask yourself today, do I want to live a life of love? Pray that God will sustain this desire in you for all your days on earth. Teach us, O Lord, to love one another.
Be Encouraged,
Pastor Rick
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