2 JOHN 1:6

And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.

TO PONDER

Being a parent is a wonderful experience. Sure, everything doesn't always go the way you want, but it has certain given me more insight into my own relationship with God as my Heavenly Father and me as one of His children.

Recently I had one of my children come and give me a great big hug, seemingly out of nowhere, and say, "I love you dad". Needless to say, my heart melted. However, the beautiful moment lasted only seconds before the outrageous request for more screen time smacked me in the face and brought me out of my affection induced euphoria.

I often wonder how often I play the same game with God. I know there are times when I will busy myself with a bunch of things I think God wants me to be doing, but fail to do the one thing he is actually asking me to do. I'm sure God enjoys being told that we love him, but I suspect, that like my experience with my own children, sometimes the love that is expressed with words doesn't always match the love that is expressed by trusting obedience.

Jesus summed up all the laws of Moses in the following way, "love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love your neighbour as yourself." Part of loving God is obediently responding to his command to love. So let's get busy sharing the Love of God in our communities.

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, no one has shown greater love than you did when you lay down your life for all our sakes. Please help me to always respond to your love and grace by faithfully and obediently loving others the way you have loved me. Amen

Today's devotion by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle