There seems to be a chronic shortage of love across our country and around the globe, with turmoil caused by anger, antisemitism, prejudice, and hatred. As Christians, however, we have unlimited access to an eternal fountain of love that never fails or runs dry.
We read in 1 John 4:7-8, Let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. … Because God is love.
And that’s the love we need to share with our nation and the world today.
The Lord tells us in Hosea 6:6, “For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.” The Hebrew word for “know” here means a very intimate knowledge, in which He wants to show His face to you.
Are we truly showing love to people—and not just to those who love us or are like us?
God then goes on to say in verse 7, “But like Adam they transgressed the covenant; there they dealt faithlessly with me.” Let’s not be like Adam and try to find excuses for the things that we have done wrong.
Instead, we need to turn to God and ask Him to search our hearts. Are we truly showing love to people—and not just to those who love us or are like us?
For Jesus plainly tells us, “Love your enemies! … In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:44-45 NLT).
So let’s come to the Lord humbly, confessing our sins and asking Him to forgive, cleanse, heal, and restore us. May He renew His covenant with us, lift up His countenance on us, be merciful and gracious to us, cause His face to shine upon us, and give us His peace. And may He use us to share His love with all the world, that people everywhere may come to know Him. God bless you!
Taken from a teaching on The 700 Club. Scripture is quoted from the ESV except as noted.
