When I taught first grade in a Christian school, one of the first stories in our reading book was about joy.  The theme of the story was that joy came from putting Jesus and others ahead of yourself.  In other words, J-O-Y stood for Jesus, Others, and You.

We often think that doing things for ourselves is going to bring us joy.  Maybe it’s finally taking that big family vacation or buying a newer car or even just a hot cup of coffee and an hour of silence in our own home!  But if we look at the truth taught in that elementary school reader, we begin to understand that joy doesn’t come from pleasing ourselves.  Sure, it may feel good in that moment – and it’s okay to have all those things I listed! – but that kind of joy doesn’t last.

So what happens when we put Jesus and others first?  We take our focus off of ourselves.  We find lasting joy as we follow what Jesus has called us to do, and look for ways to meet others’ needs.

In Deuteronomy 28, God is speaking to the children of Israel.  He tells them that chastisement will come if they fail to keep His commandments.  Part of the reason they’re going to be punished, according to verse 47, is “because thou servedst not the LORD thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things.”

This verse convicted me.  How often do I serve the Lord with joyfulness?  When I work in the church nursery or take a meal to a shut-in or sing in the choir, how’s my heart attitude?  Do I perform those tasks in His name?  Do I see them only as a duty and as something I dread?

What about at home, behind closed doors, where people can’t see me.  Am I doing laundry, washing dishes, packing school lunches with gladness in my heart?  All of these are forms of ministering to others.  We can choose to do them with joyfulness and gladness of heart, or begrudgingly and with a bad attitude.

This is a good place to insert Psalm 100:2.  “Serve the Lord with gladness…”  Let’s all admit that we’re not going to always (or maybe even often!) feel that gladness in our heart when we’re called to serve someone else.  So we remember the whole point of this series – that it’s the Holy Spirit that can give us that joy.

One way of cultivating that joy is to remember all that God has done for us.  Note that Deuteronomy 28:47 ends with the phrase “for the abundance of all things.”  Can’t every one of us say we’ve been abundantly blessed?

I’ve certainly been guilty of serving in my own strength, with my own agenda, or only because it’s expected of me.  But, with the Holy Spirit’s help, I can change that.  After all that God has done for me, I want to perform my service for Him with a joyful spirit and a glad heart.

There’s also an old hymn that talks about serving God with joy.  I thought I’d share the first verse and chorus of it here.

There is joy in serving Jesus
As I journey on my way
Joy that fills my heart with praises
Every hour and every day.

There is joy, joy, joy in serving Jesu
Joy that throbs within my heart
Every moment, every hour
As I draw upon His power
There is joy, joy, joy that never shall depart.
~Oswald J. Smith

Let’s add some joy to our service today!

Related posts:
Whom Can I Serve Today?
5 Ways to Serve Others as a Family
Finding Our Ministry Right Where We Are

Back when our girls attended a homeschool co-op, their Shakespeare class learned a section from one of his plays.  The teachers wanted to get outside of the classroom and actually record the kids performing a few scenes.  We parents brought our children to a local park, and they all scouted around to find the best locations for filming.  They wanted each act to have a particular feel to it, so they had to “set the stage” to make it look good on camera.

When we talk about the fruit of the Spirit – joy being the one we’re highlighting for November – we realize that the fruit is produced in us by the Holy Spirit.  Yet we can also take action to cultivate our joy.  We can “set the stage,” if you will, in our life to help us grow that joy.

On Tuesday, we talked about 3 ways to find joy.  Today I want to look at another way we can nurture joy in our lives.

“Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts.” ~Jeremiah 15:16

Focusing on the Word of God brings me joy.

One of the best chapters in the Bible on God’s Word is Psalm 119.  Let’s look at some key verses from that chapter.

Joy comes as I keep God’s commandments and fully seek Him.

Verse 2 ~ “Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.”

If I’m looking for God’s blessing in my life, I should obey commands I find in the Bible.  And once again, we see that it’s not a half-hearted effort that God is interested in, but a full-on pursuit of Him.

I rejoice as I recognize the incredible value of God’s Word.

Verse 14 ~ “I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.”  Also verse 127 ~ “Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.”

The Scriptures we can hold in our hands are more valuable than any earthly possession we have or could obtain.

I should see the principles in God’s Word as delightful to follow, not as a list of rules that I must keep.

Verse 16 ~ “I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.“

Are we delighted when we find instruction in the Bible that God convicts our heart about?  Remembering what God’s told me to do in His Word, and then actually following through on that command, can bring joy to my heart.

Make decisions based on principles and truths found in God’s Word.

Verse 24 ~ “Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counselors.”

While I can’t give a Scripture reference that tells me what television shows or movies our family should watch, I can certainly find a Bible principle that lets me know what Christians should allow into their minds.  By prayerfully reading God’s Word, I can discover truths that lead me to make right decisions.

God’s Word brings me peace and comfort in difficult times.

Verse 50 ~ “This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.”

Here’s where I run to the Psalms!  So many verses there – as well as in other parts of the Bible – give us comfort.  It also brings life back into our soul when we’re feeling so weary.

God’s Word will always be true and beneficial for my life.

Verse 111 ~ “Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.”

Praise God that His word never changes!  There’s no “latest information” or “updates” that are going to make His promises null and void.

Uncovering truth from God’s Word can bring me as much joy as discovering buried treasure.

Verse 162 ~ “ I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.”

I’d love to approach my Bible reading this way each day – just looking for the treasure of truth that God wants to reveal to me.

I’m so thankful for the joy we find in God’s Word!  Making time to read it and meditate on it will “set the stage” for joy to flourish in every season of life.

Related posts:
Who’s the Boss – Feelings or Truth?
Praying and Praising with Scripture
God Will Prepare the Way

I’m wondering if there’s some sort of subliminal message I’m receiving.  I’d mentioned on the blog that I’d be posting about joy during November.  Well, on Sunday, my husband’s lesson in our Sunday School class focused on joy, as did our Pastor’s Sunday morning sermon.  I guess I’m in good company by addressing this topic!

So how do we describe joy?  It’s typically thought of as a feeling we experience, one of great happiness or pleasure.  It’s living in a place of delight and gladness.  I certainly want to feel that way, don’t you?

We all know that it’s easy to feel joyful when life is going along smoothly.  And we’ve likely also known someone who was going through a very difficult time, yet still had joy in their heart.

Joy is another fruit of the Holy Spirit.  Just like we talked about with love, we can’t just work up true joy on our own.  It is shown in our lives as we yield to the Holy Spirit and His work in our lives.

I thought we’d begin this study by looking at where we can find joy, based on one of my favorite verses on the topic.

“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” ~Psalm 16:11

Here are three ways we can find joy.

1.  We find joy in trusting God.

When we’re trusting God to direct our lives, we have joy because we know that God is in control.  He will “shew [us] the path of life.”  You may be facing circumstances today that make you feel the opposite of joyful!  Yet we know that God is loving and good, so He will only allow what is ultimately best for us.

It’s often during the hard times that we see the Holy Spirit at work, as He gives us joy that defies our normal reactions.  It can be a testimony to fellow Christians as well as unbelievers when we have joy in the midst of our trials.

I love this definition of joy from Kay Warren:

“Joy is the settled assurance that God is in control of all the details of my life, the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be alright, and the determined choice to praise God in every situation.”

2. We find joy in God’s presence.

We’ll know ultimate joy when we are with God in heaven.  But how can we be in His presence today?  Through prayer, and perhaps even more specifically, through focusing our prayers on praising and worshiping Jesus.  I’ve confessed this before, but too often, I run to God’s throne overburdened with requests, and never take time to concentrate on praising Him.

Spending time with God can only increase my joy.  I love that we can have not just joy in His presence, but fullness of joy!  That’s no small dose that barely gets me through the day, but a cup overflowing with joy, that even leaks onto others!

Psalm 43:4 says, “Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God.”

3.  We find joy in God’s provision.

The Psalmist says that at God’s right hand, there are pleasures forevermore.  In heaven, we’ll certainly experience all the beauty and blessings that He’s preparing for us now.  Yet I believe we get so many of those pleasures here on earth, too.

Yet what’s pleasing to me?  Is it always just a big vacation, good health, more possessions?  Or am I pleased when I see spiritual growth in the life of my child?  Do I find pleasure in the beauty of God’s creation?  When the pleasures I value line up with the pleasures He has in store, there’s a sweet spot of joy.

Just like we as parents enjoy blessing our children with good things, so I think God delights in pleasing us with His abundance.  Let’s not miss the joy and blessings – both big and small – every day!

Today let’s allow the Holy Spirit to produce joy in our lives as we trust God with our present and our future.  Let’s spend time with Him, and take note of all the pleasures He sends our way.

Related posts:
Joy-Stealers
6 Ways to Encourage Yourself in the Lord
What Does It Mean to Delight in the Lord?

Today we’re winding up our series on the first fruit of the Spirit, love.  (And can you even believe it’s almost the end of October?!!)

The Bible has a lot to say about love, and I certainly haven’t covered it all!  I did gather up several verses that we haven’t looked at this month to see what more we can learn about love.

1. God can help us grow in loving others.

“And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:” ~I Thessalonians 3:12

We’ve talked about several different aspects of love, from the kind of love we should have to ways we can love like Jesus.  Maybe you’re like me and think, “I don’t know if I can love God or other people like that.”

We can’t, in and of ourselves.  But God can grow that love in us, if we’ll let Him.  As we read the Bible, spend time in prayer, and meditate on spiritual truth, He can do a work in us that results in greater love.

2. True friends love each other through the ups and downs of life.

“A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” ~Proverbs 17:17

It’s easy to be there for our friends when things are going well, and it’s all about coffee chats and play dates with the kids.  But it gets harder when there’s the cancer diagnosis or when she’s dealing with a prodigal child.  Sometimes it’s difficult just because we don’t know what to say or do.

But those tough times are when she needs a friend the most.  Just show up to the relationship, whether that means a quick text or a phone call, a handwritten card in the mail or having pizza delivered to her house.

It’s also about giving her the benefit of the doubt if there’s a misunderstanding or miscommunication.  True friends can be hard to come by, so choose to love through those moments, too.

3. Loving others may mean denying ourselves.

“For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.” ~Galatians 5:13

Part of my Christian walk is considering what affect my actions have on others.  If something I do is going to lead a fellow Christian into an area she struggles with – even if I’m okay with it – I should love her enough to not do it.  Love includes living in a way that benefits and supports others.  That’s more important than being concerned about myself and what I want to do.

4. Our love is so much more than the words that we say.

“My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” ~1 John 3:18

It’s good to say “I love you.”  But if all I ever do is say it, and never show it, the words are empty.

Last weekend my husband showed me he loved me in three specific ways.  What were they?  He took a box up to the attic for storage, changed a light bulb in the recessed lighting in our kitchen ceiling, and tightened the toilet paper holder in the girls’ bathroom.

That’s not the stuff you’ll read about in a romantic novel, but it spoke his love to me.  (And yes, he uses words, too!)

5. God’s love for me, and my love for Him, is the foundation for my spiritual growth.

“That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.” ~Ephesians 3:17-19

I know God loves me and wants what’s best for me.  Living in that truth allows me to trust Him when a trial comes into my life.  I don’t have to be afraid or worried, because I trust His love for me.

I don’t think I’ll ever fully comprehend God’s great love for me here on earth.  The verse does say that His love “passeth knowledge.”  But the more I can grasp it, the more I can rest in it and grow in my faith.

Thanks for joining me as we dissected passages about love this month!  Below I’ve listed all the posts in this series for quick reference.  I hope you’ll join me in November as we look at joy!

Do I Have This Kind of Love?
Our Greatest Example of Love
Loving God:  It Tops the List, and Takes Your All
It’s Simple, But Not Easy
4 Ways We Can Love Like Jesus
It’s Hard to Love Like This
3 Steps to Loving Jesus Much

Back in my teaching days, a favorite activity was reading aloud to my students.

Right after recess, we’d have quiet time in the classroom.  The kids would rest their heads on their desks or just sit quietly in their seats, and I’d read a section from a chapter book.  I loved seeing them get drawn into the story.  Then at an exciting part, I’d stop reading and tell them we’d pick up the story tomorrow.  Of course they’d want to hear more right then!  However, we’d all look forward to finding out what happened the next day.

A good story draws the listeners in – and excellent stories teach us lessons and change our thinking.  Jesus was the master storyteller, and told the best, most pointed stories.  Let’s look at this parable from Luke 7:40-47.

“And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on.

There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.  And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?

Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.

And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.  Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.  My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.

Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.”

Let’s unfold this story about love.

In the parable, the creditor represents Jesus.  The one who owed fifty pence would be Simon (a Pharisee), and the one who owed five hundred pence is the woman.  The debt they owed represents their sin.

We read that both were forgiven their total debt, though the amounts owed were vastly different.  The last verse says that the woman was forgiven of her many sins, and, consequently, she “loved much.”

Do you want to love Jesus like this woman did?  I do.  Let’s see what we can learn from her.

Have a right view of God and a right view of our sin.

Both debtors start in the same place.  Neither one can pay their bill.  In the same way, both Simon and the woman have no power in themselves to get their sins forgiven.  And you and I are in that exact same boat.  We have no righteousness of our own.

To grow our love for God, we must see ourselves as we are and God as He is.  This woman knew the true extent of her sin.  She recognized that there was no way she was “good enough” for God to love.  She was totally humble.

If I’m honest with myself, I fear that I might be on the Simon side of this story at times.  I was saved at a young age, and someone looking at me from the outside would likely say I wasn’t much of a sinner at the ripe old age of four.  But I know my personal struggles, and the many times I fail to obey God.  Pride and selfishness are not strangers to me.  While I may look good on the outside, I know how many sins I harbor on the inside that need to be forgiven.

On the other hand, maybe you have a different past, and know exactly how this woman felt.  It’s how we should all see ourselves.  Romans 3:23 say, “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”  We only imagine that we have little to be forgiven.  We must fully recognize the degradation of sin and what it cost to pay for it.

So I can’t love God to my fullest extent until I have the right view of myself and the right view of God.  Humility is where it’s at.

Focus on Jesus.

This woman’s focus was totally on Jesus.  She didn’t care who else was in the house or what was being served for dinner.  All she cared about was ministering to Jesus, and showing Him how much she loved Him.

Undoubtedly Simon had his thoughts on other things.  Maybe he was wondering when the meal would be ready, or why a certain guest hadn’t arrived, or did everyone have enough to drink?  (Does this remind you of another New Testament story – Martha and Mary?)  Regardless, Jesus notes how Simon didn’t extend the normal courtesies when Jesus arrived at his house.

Worship through service.

How did this much-forgiven woman show that she loved Jesus?  By her actions.

We talked earlier in this series about following God’s commandments in order to show that we love Him.  Yet not one of the things she did – washing and wiping His feet, kissing them, and anointing them – were direct commands.  Instead, they were acts of service that she wanted to do from a heart that overflowed with love.  Her outward actions were the manifestation of a heart that loved greatly.

It all boils down to this.

“Those who are most conscious of forgiveness will be most fruitful of love.” ~MacLaren

As we go through our day, let’s remember the great forgiveness of God, and look for ways to worship and serve Him.

Related posts:
Loving God:  It Tops the List and Takes Your All
4 Ways You Can Live as a Philippians 2 Christian Woman Today
What Esther Teaches Me About Courage

Interesting topics sometimes come up for discussion when you’re sitting around a table with your teenagers.

We were out eating frozen yogurt one night recently, and our daughters asked me why we’ve never watched superhero movies or tv shows together.  I’d never really thought about that!  I don’t have anything against superheros.  If we’d had boys, I imagine we’d have watched more of that type of media.  But I’d never realized my girls were interested in it!

I know enough about superhero stories to know that nearly every plot has a “bad guy” or an enemy that the superhero has to overcome.  He (or she) uses superhuman powers to defeat their foe.

You and I don’t typically have those kind of enemies, someone who’s actively working against us.  But we may have a person who seems bent on irritating us.  Maybe everything they say or do rubs us the wrong way.  It could be an unfriendly neighbor or co-worker we have to deal with.  Or perhaps it’s that person we thought was a friend until we found out she’d been talking about us behind our back.

As we continue in our series on love, we’re going to see what Jesus says about how we should treat our enemies.  It’s certainly not what our flesh is going to want to hear.

“But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.

For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. 

“But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.” ~Luke 6:27, 28, 32, 33, 35

Yes, all those characteristics we learned about love are to be shown not only to our friends and families, but also to those who make our life difficult.  Verse 27 even gives us some specific ways to show our love.

Do good to your enemies.

It wouldn’t be so bad if I could just ignore my enemies, but God says to do good to them.  That sounds like I should actively look for ways to make their life easier.

Bless your enemies.

I need to want good things for those who may not want good things for me.  That could involve me actually helping them out in some way or asking God to show favor to them.

Pray for your enemies.

While this is the last one in the list, I think it’s the key to the other two.  As I sincerely pray for a person I find hard to love, the Holy Spirit can give me the ability to bless them and do good to them.  I can ask God to watch over my enemies, guide them, and provide their needs.

I like how Jesus points out that loving our friends is no big deal – the unsaved find that easy to do.  But because we know Jesus as our Savior, we can go way beyond just loving our friends, and show love to our enemies.  Treating others well when they treat us well just feels right.  It might also feel “good” to do wrong to those who’ve treated us wrongly.  Yet that’s not how we’re to operate as Christians.

Notice that God doesn’t promise that when we show love to our enemies they’ll become our friends.  He tells us to “…love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again.”  We can’t control our enemy’s reaction to us, but we can control how we behave toward them.

He does say in Proverbs 25:21-22, “If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:  For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the Lord shall reward thee.”  God sees and knows our hearts and our actions toward our enemies.  He knows that it can be difficult to follow this command, and the Bible says that He will reward us.

Once again, God is our greatest example.  “…For He is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.”  God loves all those He created, and shows great grace and mercy even toward those who reject Him.  We may categorize certain people as the worst sinners we know, yet they receive innumerable kindnesses from God every day.

And you know what else?  I receive all those kindnesses, too!  Even though I’m His child, I fail at loving my enemies – and many other commands, quite often.  Yet He loves me, and forgives my many failures every day.

I think loving our enemies is usually outside the realm of our human possibility.  Here’s where the Holy Spirit steps in.  It’s the fruit of the Spirit being produced in our lives as we walk with God that overcomes our human nature, and lets that love flow through us – even toward our enemies.

Related posts:
4 Ways We Can Love Like Jesus
How Can God Use Me Today?
Finding Our Ministry Right Where We Are

Any time you’re learning a new skill, it’s nice to have someone who already knows how to do that thing show you how it’s done.

When I was in college studying to be a teacher, we sat in various elementary classrooms and watched teachers teach their students.  I remember one young woman who was exactly the type of teacher I wanted to be.  She managed her classroom well, and made the basic subjects she was teaching seem interesting.  Her manner was gentle, yet firm, and it was evident that she cared about her students.  She was a wonderful example of an excellent teacher.

As we talked about earlier in this series, God’s love is the greatest love we can know.  And when it comes to loving our fellow Christians, Jesus set the example for us while He was here on earth.  He showed us what it looks like to love each other.

In John 13, Jesus is talking with His disciples.  He’s getting ready to be crucified, so will be leaving them here on earth while He returns to heaven.  Here’s the instruction He leaves them.

“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.  By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” ~John 13:34-35

He says it again in John 15:12.

“This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.”

This is a direct command from Jesus.  While we’re instructed elsewhere to love everyone (i.e., Jesus said the second commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself), today I want to look at ways we can love fellow believers.  In both John 13 and John 15, Jesus is specifically addressing those who followed Him.

Jesus says that they are to love others in the same manner that He loved them.  So how did He love them?  Here are just a few ways.

1.  He physically served them.

“He [Jesus] riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.  After that he poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.” ~John 13:4-5

Honestly this may be the easiest of these ways to show love!  We can cut someone’s grass, take them a meal, clean their house, drive them to a doctor’s appointment, or babysit their children.  These are the visible, outward signs of our love.

2.  He prayed for them.

“I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word….I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.” ~John 17:6, 9 [The entire prayer Jesus prayed for them is in verses 6-26.]

Telling someone you’ll pray for them, and then actually following through are two different things.  When someone asks me to pray for them, I try to do it immediately.  I also try to write it down on my monthly prayer list when I get it out the next morning.  That way I’m reminded daily to take their need to God.

I have a couple of friends who are so good about following up with me on what I’ve asked them to pray for.  That is such an encouragement to me!  It makes me want to do the same with others.

3.  He loved them in spite of their failings.

“Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.” ~John 13:1

Jesus knew that in a short time Peter was going to deny Him, and all the other disciples would flee.  Yet John tells us that “He loved them unto the end.”

Other believers are going to disappoint us.  We know they’re not perfect, yet we sometimes seem to expect Christians to always do and say the right thing.  That would be nice, but it’s just not reality.  It’s up to us to exercise grace and forgiveness, even if we feel we’ve been wronged.

4.  He loved sacrificially.

“As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.” ~John 10:15

 ^“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” ~John 15:13

I’m not suggesting that we’ll have to die for another church member.  However, we may find opportunities to sacrifice for others. Maybe we give money anonymously to meet a need.  Perhaps we give up time we’d planned for something else, or allow ourselves to be inconvenienced so that we can show our love for that person.

I have a lot of growing to do in this area!  We can have no greater testimony, whether among believers or non-believers, than that we demonstrate love to others.  Jesus says that it’s how people will know that we’re true followers of Him.

Can you think of some other ways that Jesus loved His disciples?  If so, please share with us!

Related posts:
5 Ways to Show Grace to Others
Finding Our Ministry Right Where We Are
God Has a Purpose for You Today

A number of things in life are simple, but not easy.

For example, I recently had blood work done, and found out that I have high cholesterol.  The doctor said I need to eat a diet lower in fat.  Sounds simple enough, but boy, it’s not easy!  Eating oatmeal instead of pancakes and bacon, or choosing spinach salad over pizza for lunch isn’t bad for a few days, but when that homemade cinnamon roll is on a plate right in front of me, it’s hard to make the healthier choice!

The same could be said of making wise financial decisions.  We know we should save that extra money from our paycheck, but who can resist that new dress that’s on a really good sale?

So it is with our spiritual life.  The basics are often simple, but not easy.  I think loving God is exactly that way.

If we want to know how to show God that we love Him, the answer’s found in John 14:15.

“If ye love me, keep my commandments.“

Sounds pretty simple.  And in case that verse doesn’t convince you, 2 John 6 gives the same message.

“And this is love, that we walk after his commandments.“

In Tuesday’s post, we talked about loving God being the first commandment.  Now it’s time to show our love for Him by our actions.

If I love God, I’m going to do what He says.  Why?  Because I love Him and desire to please Him.

Following God’s commandments sounds simple, but it definitely isn’t easy.  Many of them go against what our flesh naturally wants to do.

In other words, are we always going to like His commandments and what they tell us to do?  I don’t think so – any more than my children are always happy about doing what I ask them to!  Let’s say I call them to set the table for supper when they’re in the middle of reading an exciting book.  Are they eager to put the book down and come to the kitchen?  No.  Or maybe I tell them that their rooms have to be cleaned before they go to the youth activity on Saturday.  Are they excited about that “command”?  Not a good kind of excited, anyway!

Sometimes it’s going to be difficult to keep His commandments.  What about “Love not the world”?  Don’t I sometimes allow myself to be swayed by a worldly influence?  That movie, book, song, etc. can be so entertaining…yet I know that it’s drawing my heart away from God and towards the world.

How about “love your enemies”?  Honestly, I’ve found that it’s not so much my enemies that I have a hard time loving.  But if anyone hurts my children in any way or says something unkind about my husband, I don’t think I can ever love that person!  They’ve now become my enemy.  Yet God tells me to love them.

And for one more example, how about where we’re told in Philippians 4 to “Rejoice in the Lord always”?  Does God really mean always?  Like when I have a flat tire and end up stuck on the side of the road when my husband’s out of town?  Or when a child gets sick the morning we’re supposed to leave for vacation?  I’m going to have a hard time keeping that commandment some days!

But then again, isn’t that the point of this whole series?  Love is a fruit of the spirit.  I can’t produce love – or follow God’s commandments – in my own strength.  The Holy Spirit helps me to do both as I yield control of my heart to Him.

Let’s ask the Holy Spirit to help us today to love God with our actions.  Following His commandments shows God – and others – that we love Him.

Related posts:
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7 Steps to Becoming a Wise Woman:  Fear the Lord

Top ten lists are very popular.  If you do an online search, you can find one on almost any topic.  Today I’d be likely to click on an article that says “Top Ten Christmas Gifts for Teenage Girls” or “Princess Kate’s Top Ten Style Tips.”  (I’ve been a royal family follower since Princess Diana came on the scene when I was a girl!)

In the passage below, a scribe came to Jesus wanting to know what the number one commandment was.  Jesus actually gave him the top two.

“And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all?  And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:  And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.  And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.  There is none other commandment greater than these.”  ~Mark 12:28-31

Love God.

That’s the number one commandment for me to follow.

I remember I once started studying the Bible, looking for commandments to follow.  After all, as we’ll look at later in this series, Jesus said if you love me, you’ll keep my commandments.  I do love Him, so I want to know what His commandments are so that I can do them.

Yet it’s clearly spelled out for us in this passage.  The greatest commandment is to love Him.

This love I’m to have for God involves my all.  The word “all” is included before each of the words heart, soul, mind, and strength.  So every part of me should be engaged.  I should be completely consumed with loving God, fully committed to it.

So what might it look like to love God to these extremes?

My heart.

We love God in our motives and intentions.  Every thing we do should be motivated by our love for Him.  Admittedly, we’re not always going to do that perfectly, but that’s our goal.

I Samuel 16:7 says that man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord sees the heart.  It’s such a sweet thought to me that even when I fail again at doing the right thing, God knows my “want-to.”  By the help of the Holy Spirit, I can turn those “want-to’s” into following through on His command to love Him above all else.

My soul.

The deepest part of us – our feelings and emotions – are to be fully involved in loving God.  This is our spiritual side that worships and praises God.

I believe music is a great tool here.  “Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs,” as Paul says in Ephesians 5:19, are a way to express my love for God to Him, and to others.  Have you ever had tears come to your eyes when a particular song touches your soul?  I think it’s a foretaste of heaven when we seize those moments to praise God.

Prayer fits here, too.  All too often I find myself rushing to my prayer requests instead of taking time first to tell God I love Him.  Do you say that to God often?  I know how much I like hearing my teenagers tell me they love me, and I’m convicted about making sure I tell God, my Heavenly Father, that simple phrase.

My mind.

We should love God in our thoughts.  A great method for doing this is meditation.  We can meditate on God’s character, His promises in His Word, the way we’ve seen Him act faithfully in our lives.

It’s our minds that all too often can lead us away from loving God to loving possessions or people or our ambitions or just our own selfish way above Him.  That leads me to consider how I’m spending my time.  What am I filling my mind with most days – things that point me to God or things that turn my focus to the world around me?

My strength.

Let’s love God with all that we have.  We don’t want to be weak in showing our love for Him, to give up easily when difficult times come.  Our love for God needs to endure, to not shrivel up at the first sign of a trial.  It’s going to take courage to love God, to face down attacks from Satan – and even our own flesh.

It comes down to a single-hearted focus.  Our love can’t be divided.  We want to love God above all else – all people, all things…even above myself.  Loving God first means submitting every part of myself to Him and allowing His will to direct my life and my decisions.

Related posts:
Our Greatest Example of Love
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God Is Writing My Book

This is like one of those stories you might hear from a grandparent about the “good old days…”

Back when my husband and I were dating (almost 30 years ago!), cell phones weren’t a thing.  (Strange, but true.)  We started dating our freshman year of college.  Since I lived in Virginia and he lived in Georgia, we were separated for most of the summer.  There was such a thing as long distance calling in those days, and it cost money, so we typically only talked on the phone once a week.

However, we wrote each other letters several times a week.  My husband was a good letter writer.  I’d be so excited when I got home from working my summer job and found a letter in the mail from him!  Of course I’ve saved those love letters all these years, because they’re a sweet and visible reminder of his love.

I don’t know if people who are “in love” still write each other letters or not, but my husband (then boyfriend) taking the time to sit down and write a long letter was one way that I knew that he loved me.  He wanted to share what was going on in his life, and wanted to hear about what was going on in mine.

While it’s a special blessing to be loved by another person, there’s no greater example of true love than God’s love for each one of us.

In Tuesday’s post we defined love.  Today, let’s break down a very famous verse that tells us about how God loves us.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” ~John 3:16

Here’s what I see about love in that verse.

It’s for everyone.

Your gender, race, nationality, political party, personality, good works, past sins  – none of that matters when it comes to God’s love.  He created every human being, and His love extends to all.  There are no conditions I have to meet to be eligible for His love.

It’s a great love.

The verse says, “For God SO loved the world…”  God’s love isn’t a shallow feeling or a passing fancy.  His love for us is strong and led Him to make an incredible sacrifice for us.

Ephesians 2:4 says, “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us…”  God’s love is abundantly merciful, deep and abiding, and is there for us whether we feel it in every moment or not.

His love is a gift. 

I can’t earn it, and I’ll certainly never be worthy of it.  God freely gives His love with no strings attached.

His gift was the greatest sacrifice.

God had only one Son, and He willingly sacrificed Him to a death on the cross for sinners.  Love is shown by action, and there’s no greater way God could have shown His love than by sending Jesus to die for my sins.

I John 3:16 says, “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us…”  We know God loves us because He literally gave Himself for us.

His love requires a response from me.

While God’s love is a gift, I have to be willing to accept that gift.  When I believe that Jesus died for me and I accept Him as my Savior, I receive the full benefits of salvation.

God’s gift of love gives me everlasting life.

God wants me to live with Him forever!  He loves each one of us so much that He allows all who trust in Jesus to live with Him in heaven for all eternity.

Our church’s children’s program that I work in on Wednesday nights has John 3:16 as its theme verse.  Our group will say it together from memory often – and, sadly, I sometimes repeat the words without really thinking about their meaning.

May I never take God’s great love for granted!!  If I’m looking, I can see it manifested in my life every day.

Related posts:
5 Truths About God’s Love for Me
What Does It Mean to Delight in the Lord?
4 Ways You Can Live as a Philippians 2 Christian Woman Today