Archive for the ‘Bible’ tag
How to Deal With Unforgiveness
You are reading the daily devotion from Dr. Charles Stanley.
READ | Matthew 6:9-15
Scripture clearly teaches that we are to forgive those who hurt us. So let’s identify practical ways to confront the matter of unforgiveness head-on. You may want to keep this list in your Bible or close by for easy review.
1. Take it seriously. Unforgiveness is a major issue that shouldn’t be casually dismissed.
2. Assume full responsibility. Don’t blame anyone else for your feelings or actions.
3. Confess it honestly. Be specific and direct with God about what you feel, and acknowledge that unforgiveness is sin. Don’t “soften” the matter or let yourself off the hook.
4. Lay down your anger. Unless you deal with your resentment, bitterness can re-enter your life later on.
5. Pray for the other person. This may feel impossible or unnatural, but do it anyway. Praying is a choice to act lovingly, regardless of how you are treated. This will impact your entire relationship.
6. Ask that individual to forgive you. If the other person knows that you’ve been harboring bitterness, you need to ask for his or her forgiveness.
7. Do something nice for that person. Let a loving gesture demonstrate your desire to restore the relationship.
8. Don’t allow Satan to throw you back into unforgiveness. Once the matter is resolved, watch out for stray thoughts that could stir up memories of how the other person hurt you.
This process isn’t easy, but it works. If you go through these steps every time you are hurt, God will truly work miracles in your relationships.
:Xmase
READ | Matthew 6:9-15
Scripture clearly teaches that we are to forgive those who hurt us. So let’s identify practical ways to confront the matter of unforgiveness head-on. You may want to keep this list in your Bible or close by for easy review.
1. Take it seriously. Unforgiveness is a major issue that shouldn’t be casually dismissed.
2. Assume full responsibility. Don’t blame anyone else for your feelings or actions.
3. Confess it honestly. Be specific and direct with God about what you feel, and acknowledge that unforgiveness is sin. Don’t “soften” the matter or let yourself off the hook.
4. Lay down your anger. Unless you deal with your resentment, bitterness can re-enter your life later on.
5. Pray for the other person. This may feel impossible or unnatural, but do it anyway. Praying is a choice to act lovingly, regardless of how you are treated. This will impact your entire relationship.
6. Ask that individual to forgive you. If the other person knows that you’ve been harboring bitterness, you need to ask for his or her forgiveness.
7. Do something nice for that person. Let a loving gesture demonstrate your desire to restore the relationship.
8. Don’t allow Satan to throw you back into unforgiveness. Once the matter is resolved, watch out for stray thoughts that could stir up memories of how the other person hurt you.
This process isn’t easy, but it works. If you go through these steps every time you are hurt, God will truly work miracles in your relationships.
:Xmase
Topic: Faith/Trust
A Matter of Trust
Key Passage: Matthew 6:25-34
"That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life--whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn't life more than food, and your body more than clothing?" (Matthew 6:25, NLT).
Homer Simpson wanders through the dark woods until he stumbles and falls in front of a large billboard. He looks up to see the word "DIE" in big bold letters. Homer shrieks. Then the wind blows away some tree branches that obscured part of the billboard. And Homer sees the word "DIET" and screams even louder as he runs off.
It's funny on The Simpson's, but for many people faced with dieting, it feels like dying might actually be easier. They've tried it--and tried it many times. They've filled out the calorie charts, gone blind from reading the nutrition labels, and passed sleepless nights fighting the desire for a midnight run for ice cream and cookies. They desperately want to lose weight, but can't.
There's no end to the dieting books the flood the market. And the Christian marketplace is no different, with some authors going as far as equating fat with sin. Does that imply that God only loves thin people?
Nothing could be farther from the truth. There are good reasons for needing to lose weight, but gaining the love and respect of God is not one of them. Nowhere in the Bible does God say, "I only love people who weigh less than 150 pounds." He's never implied that His love increases as our weight decreases.
Near the end of His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, "That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life--whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn't life more than food, and your body more than clothing?" (Matthew 6:25, NLT). Now the people Jesus was talking to had very little and worried they might not have enough. The person faced with dieting has a different situation, but the same worry: "If I cut back, will I have enough?" In both cases, Jesus answers, "Trust Me."
And that's the hard part, isn't it? It's far easier to trust the things we see around us. We see thin people smiling and happy on TV. We see the models being adored and the confidence in their faces and we want the same thing. God says, "I want to give you all those things too. I love and accept you. I want to lead you to friends who love you. I want to give you the confidence to face any trial, any trouble you may face."
But it's a different path that God calls us down. Can we trust Him?
Consider It
As you read through today's Scripture passage, think about the following questions:
While Jesus was talking to people who didn't have enough, how does this apply to those who have too much?
What worries prompt you to want to diet?
Where are you getting your standards for what's acceptable?
Apply It
A healthy diet is important for various reasons. And if your doctor has prescribed a diet and exercise regimen, then by all means follow his advice. But don't fall into the trap of thinking your social status is dependent on your weight or diet plan. God understands our need for love and fellowship, with both Him and others. But when we're so focused on getting those things for ourselves, we forget to turn to Him to provide for us.
What areas are you having a hard time trusting God in? Write down each one and then pray for them individually. Ask God to reassure you of His love and His provision.
Express It
Praise God for His love. Ask God to help you find the strength you need to trust Him in all things. If your focus on dieting is keeping you from serving God, ask Him for the ability to step away from that diet and trust Him for the results.
© 2008 NotReligion |
Key Passage: Matthew 6:25-34
"That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life--whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn't life more than food, and your body more than clothing?" (Matthew 6:25, NLT).
Homer Simpson wanders through the dark woods until he stumbles and falls in front of a large billboard. He looks up to see the word "DIE" in big bold letters. Homer shrieks. Then the wind blows away some tree branches that obscured part of the billboard. And Homer sees the word "DIET" and screams even louder as he runs off.
It's funny on The Simpson's, but for many people faced with dieting, it feels like dying might actually be easier. They've tried it--and tried it many times. They've filled out the calorie charts, gone blind from reading the nutrition labels, and passed sleepless nights fighting the desire for a midnight run for ice cream and cookies. They desperately want to lose weight, but can't.
There's no end to the dieting books the flood the market. And the Christian marketplace is no different, with some authors going as far as equating fat with sin. Does that imply that God only loves thin people?
Nothing could be farther from the truth. There are good reasons for needing to lose weight, but gaining the love and respect of God is not one of them. Nowhere in the Bible does God say, "I only love people who weigh less than 150 pounds." He's never implied that His love increases as our weight decreases.
Near the end of His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, "That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life--whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn't life more than food, and your body more than clothing?" (Matthew 6:25, NLT). Now the people Jesus was talking to had very little and worried they might not have enough. The person faced with dieting has a different situation, but the same worry: "If I cut back, will I have enough?" In both cases, Jesus answers, "Trust Me."
And that's the hard part, isn't it? It's far easier to trust the things we see around us. We see thin people smiling and happy on TV. We see the models being adored and the confidence in their faces and we want the same thing. God says, "I want to give you all those things too. I love and accept you. I want to lead you to friends who love you. I want to give you the confidence to face any trial, any trouble you may face."
But it's a different path that God calls us down. Can we trust Him?
Consider It
As you read through today's Scripture passage, think about the following questions:
While Jesus was talking to people who didn't have enough, how does this apply to those who have too much?
What worries prompt you to want to diet?
Where are you getting your standards for what's acceptable?
Apply It
A healthy diet is important for various reasons. And if your doctor has prescribed a diet and exercise regimen, then by all means follow his advice. But don't fall into the trap of thinking your social status is dependent on your weight or diet plan. God understands our need for love and fellowship, with both Him and others. But when we're so focused on getting those things for ourselves, we forget to turn to Him to provide for us.
What areas are you having a hard time trusting God in? Write down each one and then pray for them individually. Ask God to reassure you of His love and His provision.
Express It
Praise God for His love. Ask God to help you find the strength you need to trust Him in all things. If your focus on dieting is keeping you from serving God, ask Him for the ability to step away from that diet and trust Him for the results.
© 2008 NotReligion |
Divorce not an option according to my priest?
I was brought up in the catholic church. I attended catholic grade school, high school and college. I do not attend church on a regular basis but have always had and have a personal relationship with God. I have sought out the advice of priests after the death of my mom and husband. I have never sought out advice on the subject of AH. Mostly because he is a non-believer and I was ashamed to say that I was in a relationship with a non-believer.
So, I did meet with a priest from my local church (I have yet to become a member). In short I told him of all that has happened between AH and myself over the years. He was very compassionate and understanding. I told him I was ready to divorce my AH. He told me that the Bible sees divorce as an abomination. That we (I) stood before God and made a life commitment to this eachother. He reminded me of the vows I had spoken. His advice to me was that we are now one in body and flesh. And although I should not condone his behavior and way of life, I should read more into the Bible on what God says of marriage. He suggested I do this before I go and file for a divorce. I am so confused. He told me to trust in God, to remain steadfast in my commitment to my marriage no matter how painful and God promises if I follow his word as he states in the Bible He will heal this shattered relationship. Even if the sick one AH is a non-believer. UGH!!!!!!!! I am so confused.
So, I did meet with a priest from my local church (I have yet to become a member). In short I told him of all that has happened between AH and myself over the years. He was very compassionate and understanding. I told him I was ready to divorce my AH. He told me that the Bible sees divorce as an abomination. That we (I) stood before God and made a life commitment to this eachother. He reminded me of the vows I had spoken. His advice to me was that we are now one in body and flesh. And although I should not condone his behavior and way of life, I should read more into the Bible on what God says of marriage. He suggested I do this before I go and file for a divorce. I am so confused. He told me to trust in God, to remain steadfast in my commitment to my marriage no matter how painful and God promises if I follow his word as he states in the Bible He will heal this shattered relationship. Even if the sick one AH is a non-believer. UGH!!!!!!!! I am so confused.
Newbie Here
Hi Everyone!! I posted this in 'New to Recovery' but I wanted to post here too because I'm in Celebrate Recovery and a Christian.
I'm in recovery for codependency and therefore I'll be your BEST FRIEND!!!
I will do whatever you ask and I'll smile real big and pretend that EVERYTHING is wonderful!!!!!! I'll be able to tell you EXACTLY how you feel but don't ask me what I feel because - guess what? I have no clue! :dunno:
*Sighs heavily and takes her mask off* No, that's what I'm trying to get away from. :WE1Sunny:
I'm 'Cheese' after Cheese from 'Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends'. His pic is in my avatar.
Anyway, I'm glad this group is here.
I just went to my second Celebrate Recovery meeting last week and I bought the CR Bible. I've been a Christian for 15 years.
I'm the Adult Child of an Alcoholic and my dear father (and best friend) died when I was 9. My mother started drinking after that and my entire family moved away. I learned to take care of my mom and everyone else.
So here I am at 42 and facing the Real Cheese in the mirror.
I'm glad to be here. How long did it take you before you could start sharing in a meeting? I passed last night.
Thanks.
Cheese
I'm in recovery for codependency and therefore I'll be your BEST FRIEND!!!
I will do whatever you ask and I'll smile real big and pretend that EVERYTHING is wonderful!!!!!! I'll be able to tell you EXACTLY how you feel but don't ask me what I feel because - guess what? I have no clue! :dunno:
*Sighs heavily and takes her mask off* No, that's what I'm trying to get away from. :WE1Sunny:
I'm 'Cheese' after Cheese from 'Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends'. His pic is in my avatar.
Anyway, I'm glad this group is here.
I just went to my second Celebrate Recovery meeting last week and I bought the CR Bible. I've been a Christian for 15 years.
I'm the Adult Child of an Alcoholic and my dear father (and best friend) died when I was 9. My mother started drinking after that and my entire family moved away. I learned to take care of my mom and everyone else.
So here I am at 42 and facing the Real Cheese in the mirror.
I'm glad to be here. How long did it take you before you could start sharing in a meeting? I passed last night.
Thanks.
Cheese
Newbie Here!
Hi Everyone!! :c012:
I'm in recovery for codependency and therefore I'll be your BEST FRIEND!!!
I will do whatever you ask and I'll smile real big and pretend that EVERYTHING is wonderful!!!!!! I'll be able to tell you EXACTLY how you feel but don't ask me what I feel because - guess what? I have no clue!
*Sighs heavily and takes her mask off* No, that's what I'm trying to get away from.
I'm 'Cheese' after Cheese from 'Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends'. His pic is in my avatar.
Anyway, I'm glad this group is here.
I just went to my second Celebrate Recovery meeting last week and I bought the CR Bible. I've been a Christian for 15 years.
I'm the Adult Child of an Alcoholic and my dear father (and best friend) died when I was 9. My mother started drinking after that and my entire family moved away. I learned to take care of my mom and everyone else.
So here I am at 42 and facing the Real Cheese in the mirror.
I'm glad to be here. :ghug
Cheese
I'm in recovery for codependency and therefore I'll be your BEST FRIEND!!!
I will do whatever you ask and I'll smile real big and pretend that EVERYTHING is wonderful!!!!!! I'll be able to tell you EXACTLY how you feel but don't ask me what I feel because - guess what? I have no clue!
*Sighs heavily and takes her mask off* No, that's what I'm trying to get away from.
I'm 'Cheese' after Cheese from 'Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends'. His pic is in my avatar.
Anyway, I'm glad this group is here.
I just went to my second Celebrate Recovery meeting last week and I bought the CR Bible. I've been a Christian for 15 years.
I'm the Adult Child of an Alcoholic and my dear father (and best friend) died when I was 9. My mother started drinking after that and my entire family moved away. I learned to take care of my mom and everyone else.
So here I am at 42 and facing the Real Cheese in the mirror.
I'm glad to be here. :ghug
Cheese
God than Drugs
I found God, and then within a year started my drug habbit.
I feel guilty about this --- i did it all in the wrong order --- but most of all I cannot make sense of it in my head.
Anyone else go in the wrong order??
How does it make sense in your head.
PS I've been well bible versed on this by christians, and well basic texted by na --- so the less quotes the more i'd appreciate thanks
I feel guilty about this --- i did it all in the wrong order --- but most of all I cannot make sense of it in my head.
Anyone else go in the wrong order??
How does it make sense in your head.
PS I've been well bible versed on this by christians, and well basic texted by na --- so the less quotes the more i'd appreciate thanks
Remember and be thankful
REMEMBER AND BE THANKFUL
by Pastor Leon Fontaine
Being thankful is synonymous with being happy.
People who make it a daily practice to be thankful for all that God has done for them have a way of attracting quality relationships and excellent opportunities into their life. They exude an uplifting and infectious attitude that is inspiring to others and seem to handle problems with greater ease and happiness.
Then there are those who have lost their attitude of thankfulness, or perhaps never developed one, and repel others with their cynical attitude and negative predictions. They struggle to keep good friends and seem to always be creating unfortunate circumstances for themselves and others. They mistakenly believe they would be more happy and thankful if only they had a reason to be, and they fail to understand itÂ’s not circumstance, but rather attitude, that sets them apart from those who are happier.
In reality, there are plenty of reasons for everyone to be unhappy in this world, but many people choose a better route by deciding to develop an attitude of thankfulness.
Here are a few more thoughts about thankfulness:
1. Thankfulness keeps peace in your life. Good fortune does not always translate into a peaceful, happy existence. In fact, the Bible warns about guarding your heart in times of prosperity because that is when it becomes easy to take things for granted, become proud and lose an attitude of thankfulness, which ultimately leads to poor choices and unhappiness. Regardless of the season youÂ’re in, a thankful attitude and an ability to convey thankfulness will lead to lasting joy.
2. Everything in your life that is good comes from God. Develop, on purpose, an attitude of thankfulness by expressing gratitude each day to Him for the good things in your life, whether itÂ’s your health, your family, career, opportunities or whatever else God has blessed you with. When you fail to practice an attitude of being thankful, you run the risk of gravitating towards negative topics in life and begin thinking, dwelling and talking about all thatÂ’s wrong in the world. But when you practice giving thanks to God for the goodness in your life, you won't become an unhappy pessimist because youÂ’ll be in habit of practicing thankfulness and will automatically retain your joy.
3. In order to increase your blessings in life, you must be truly thankful for what you already have. You will ultimately lose what you arenÂ’t thankful for. ItÂ’s not enough to feel thankfulness; you need to express the feeling in the way you treat others. Find a way each day to show the people around you how thankful you are for the goodness in your life, whether itÂ’s by doing your work with a smile or going out of your way to do something nice for another person. When youÂ’re thankful, youÂ’ll experience God's presence in your life like never before. Give thanks to Him in every circumstance and show appreciation to others and you'll be amazed at the miracles released in your life.
by Pastor Leon Fontaine
Being thankful is synonymous with being happy.
People who make it a daily practice to be thankful for all that God has done for them have a way of attracting quality relationships and excellent opportunities into their life. They exude an uplifting and infectious attitude that is inspiring to others and seem to handle problems with greater ease and happiness.
Then there are those who have lost their attitude of thankfulness, or perhaps never developed one, and repel others with their cynical attitude and negative predictions. They struggle to keep good friends and seem to always be creating unfortunate circumstances for themselves and others. They mistakenly believe they would be more happy and thankful if only they had a reason to be, and they fail to understand itÂ’s not circumstance, but rather attitude, that sets them apart from those who are happier.
In reality, there are plenty of reasons for everyone to be unhappy in this world, but many people choose a better route by deciding to develop an attitude of thankfulness.
Here are a few more thoughts about thankfulness:
1. Thankfulness keeps peace in your life. Good fortune does not always translate into a peaceful, happy existence. In fact, the Bible warns about guarding your heart in times of prosperity because that is when it becomes easy to take things for granted, become proud and lose an attitude of thankfulness, which ultimately leads to poor choices and unhappiness. Regardless of the season youÂ’re in, a thankful attitude and an ability to convey thankfulness will lead to lasting joy.
2. Everything in your life that is good comes from God. Develop, on purpose, an attitude of thankfulness by expressing gratitude each day to Him for the good things in your life, whether itÂ’s your health, your family, career, opportunities or whatever else God has blessed you with. When you fail to practice an attitude of being thankful, you run the risk of gravitating towards negative topics in life and begin thinking, dwelling and talking about all thatÂ’s wrong in the world. But when you practice giving thanks to God for the goodness in your life, you won't become an unhappy pessimist because youÂ’ll be in habit of practicing thankfulness and will automatically retain your joy.
3. In order to increase your blessings in life, you must be truly thankful for what you already have. You will ultimately lose what you arenÂ’t thankful for. ItÂ’s not enough to feel thankfulness; you need to express the feeling in the way you treat others. Find a way each day to show the people around you how thankful you are for the goodness in your life, whether itÂ’s by doing your work with a smile or going out of your way to do something nice for another person. When youÂ’re thankful, youÂ’ll experience God's presence in your life like never before. Give thanks to Him in every circumstance and show appreciation to others and you'll be amazed at the miracles released in your life.
Some help please =/
Hi everyone, im a new user to this sight and im looking for some support. Im 25 years old and I relapsed for the first time in 6 months this last past night. I was weak and I bought an 8 ball of cocaine. I am now out of it and I am desperatley trying not to buy anymore. The guilt that I am feeling right now is insanely painful. These last past 6 months have been great as i have been hanging out with my parents and siblings. I have the urge to tell them that I slipped up but I feel if I put this behind me and stop the binge I will learn from my mistakes and continue on a path that is straight and narrow. I know it sounds like im fishing for an "its ok" but I am not, I screwed up and now im dealing with it. Im simply asking if you guys think I should tell my family or just deal with it and continue with my sobreity, we all make mistakes....thanks again in advance....(as i hold a bible and pray =/)
~25 Things Worth Thinking About~
~25 Things Worth Thinking About~
1) Give God what's RIGHT -- not what's LEFT.
2) Man's way leads to hopeless end; God's way leads to
Endless hope.
3) A lot of kneeling will keep you in good standing.
4) He who kneels before God can stand before anyone.
5) In the sentence of life, the devil may be a comma, but
Never let him be the period.
6) Don't put a question mark where God puts a period.
7) Are you wrinkled with burden? Come to the church for a
Faith-lift.
8) When praying, don't give God instructions -- just report
For duty.
9) Don't wait for six strong men to take you to the church.
10) We don't change God's message; His message changes us.
11) All churches should be prayer-conditioned.
12) When God ordains, He sustains.
13) WARNING: Exposure to the Son may prevent burning.
14) Plan ahead -- it wasn't raining when Noah built the ark.
15) Most people want to serve God, but only in an advisory
Position.
16) Suffering from truth decay? Brush up with your Bible on
A daily basis.
17) Exercise daily! Walk with the Lord.
18) Never give the devil a ride -- he will always want to
Drive.
19) Nothing else ruins the truth like stretching it.
20) Compassion is difficult to give away because it keeps
Coming back.
21) He who angers you controls you.
22) Worry is the darkroom in which negatives can develop.
23) Give Satan an inch, and he'll be a ruler.
24) Be ye fishers of men -- you catch them, and God will
Clean them.
25) God does not call the qualified; he qualifies the
Called.
1) Give God what's RIGHT -- not what's LEFT.
2) Man's way leads to hopeless end; God's way leads to
Endless hope.
3) A lot of kneeling will keep you in good standing.
4) He who kneels before God can stand before anyone.
5) In the sentence of life, the devil may be a comma, but
Never let him be the period.
6) Don't put a question mark where God puts a period.
7) Are you wrinkled with burden? Come to the church for a
Faith-lift.
8) When praying, don't give God instructions -- just report
For duty.
9) Don't wait for six strong men to take you to the church.
10) We don't change God's message; His message changes us.
11) All churches should be prayer-conditioned.
12) When God ordains, He sustains.
13) WARNING: Exposure to the Son may prevent burning.
14) Plan ahead -- it wasn't raining when Noah built the ark.
15) Most people want to serve God, but only in an advisory
Position.
16) Suffering from truth decay? Brush up with your Bible on
A daily basis.
17) Exercise daily! Walk with the Lord.
18) Never give the devil a ride -- he will always want to
Drive.
19) Nothing else ruins the truth like stretching it.
20) Compassion is difficult to give away because it keeps
Coming back.
21) He who angers you controls you.
22) Worry is the darkroom in which negatives can develop.
23) Give Satan an inch, and he'll be a ruler.
24) Be ye fishers of men -- you catch them, and God will
Clean them.
25) God does not call the qualified; he qualifies the
Called.
A God You Know
You are reading the daily devotional message from NotReligion.
September 24, 2008
Key Passage: Matthew 22:34-40
Topic: Love
And he [Jesus] said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." (Matthew 22:37, ESV)
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.
Does anyone really do that? What would cause you to love God so completely? What makes you love anyone?
Is it because that person is physically attractive? Well, then it may be difficult to love God because you can't physically see Him. You have to go beyond the physical.
Do you love someone because they've been kind to you? The Bible presents God as a good and kind Creator who gives us all we need: light, air, sun, food, and more.
Do you love someone because you respect them? Certainly you can respect a holy God. After all, He cares about purity and righteousness. He's never sinned. There is no evil associated with Him.
Do you love someone because they love you? The Bible says that God loved us so much that He sent His only Son that whoever believed in Him would not die eternally but have life everlasting (John 3:16). He has to love you a lot to do that!
Even with all those reasons, it's still hard to really love someone you don't know. You might appreciate a kind Creator who loves you and whom you can respect. You might even hold Him in awe but to love Him and to do it with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind would mean that you would have to know Him.
How can you know Him? Read the Bible. Spend time talking to Him and listening with your heart.
According to Jesus, as He answered the religious experts in today's passage, to love God is the most important commandment. If you can't honestly say, "Yes, I love God totally and completely," you should get to know Him and then you can love Him.
Begin that journey today by getting into His Word.
NotReligion
NotReligion - Home
September 24, 2008
Key Passage: Matthew 22:34-40
Topic: Love
And he [Jesus] said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." (Matthew 22:37, ESV)
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.
Does anyone really do that? What would cause you to love God so completely? What makes you love anyone?
Is it because that person is physically attractive? Well, then it may be difficult to love God because you can't physically see Him. You have to go beyond the physical.
Do you love someone because they've been kind to you? The Bible presents God as a good and kind Creator who gives us all we need: light, air, sun, food, and more.
Do you love someone because you respect them? Certainly you can respect a holy God. After all, He cares about purity and righteousness. He's never sinned. There is no evil associated with Him.
Do you love someone because they love you? The Bible says that God loved us so much that He sent His only Son that whoever believed in Him would not die eternally but have life everlasting (John 3:16). He has to love you a lot to do that!
Even with all those reasons, it's still hard to really love someone you don't know. You might appreciate a kind Creator who loves you and whom you can respect. You might even hold Him in awe but to love Him and to do it with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind would mean that you would have to know Him.
How can you know Him? Read the Bible. Spend time talking to Him and listening with your heart.
According to Jesus, as He answered the religious experts in today's passage, to love God is the most important commandment. If you can't honestly say, "Yes, I love God totally and completely," you should get to know Him and then you can love Him.
Begin that journey today by getting into His Word.
NotReligion
NotReligion - Home
