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devotions for your walk with God

by Jim Long

From The Word:
"Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God, but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us."

— 1 John 4:11-12

God Is Love …
But What Are You?

When I first met Jan, I was impressed with her. She was so different. Upbeat. Kind. Giving. One of the most caring and unselfish people I've ever known. I had met nice people before, but Jan was exceptionally nice.

It wasn't until later that I learned Jan was suffering from a terminal illness. Jan had every reason to be depressed and think only of herself and her pain. But instead, she found ways to show care and concern for her friends. Most of all, she knew how to love others.

As I got to know her better, I realized it was God working in Jan's life that made her different. In fact, I was discovering something of what God "looked" like, because I could see his love in Jan, my unselfish friend.

Knowing Jan taught me a lot about love and friendship. But most of all, Jan pointed me to a greater love—the love of God. As I grew to better understand God's love, I became a new person.

Now, in my friendships and the way I treat my family, I want to copy that unselfish love that comes from God. I want my friends to know they can count on me. I want the members of my family to know they are appreciated. And now when I encounter misunderstanding, when I feel impatient, when I'm misunderstood, when I'm tempted to act selfishly, I ask myself: How will God's love within me act?

We love God, because God first loved us. And we can show God our love by loving others. Think of someone in your life who needs your concern. Your care for that person is your love note to God.

"[God] has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother" (1 John 4:21).

The 60-Day Challenge
In this "Power Pack," we focus on the life-changing power of love. For the next 60 days, we'd like to challenge you to concentrate on studying some Scripture passages that say a lot about love. Then, after the end of this "60-Day Challenge," we hope you'll be able to say, "I've made progress! I'm a more loving person!"

Read It!
September: The three letters of John.

Did you know that one particular Bible writer was known for his loving attitude? His name was John, and during September, we'll concentrate on his words.

First, read chapters 1-3 of 1 John, several days in a row. Then do the same for chapters 4-5.

As you read, keep a notebook handy. Ask yourself:

• What does John have to say about love?
• What is love like?
• How is love expressed?
• What makes love genuine, and what makes it fake?

Next, read 2 John and 3 John for several days. Each book is only one chapter long. These two books also have much to say about love. Ask yourself:

• What does love have to do with truth?
• Why can't God's love and God's truth be separated?
• How can I show that God's love and truth are real in my life?

October: 1 Corinthians 13, Matthew 5:38-48.

One of the most famous writings about love found anywhere comes from the Bible. It's 1 Corinthians 13 and it's often called "The Love Chapter."

Try rewriting 1 Corinthians 13 in your own words.

Or make it a poem or a song. Read the chapter several times, thinking about different people in your life—your friends, your parents, a brother or sister.

• In what ways do you show this kind of love?
• In what ways can you improve?
• Spend time memorizing this amazing chapter—even just parts of it.

Next, read Matthew 5:38-48. As you read, ask yourself:

• If we are to love even our enemies, what does this tell us about how we treat our family and friends?
• What does it really mean to "turn the other cheek"?
• Why is it important to show love to those we find hard to love?

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How does it feel when someone is kind to you without expecting anything in return? Picture the feeling. Then realize: This is a feeling you can give away.

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Work on it!

Try this: Write a note to your parents, expressing your appreciation for them. Ask your youth leader what sort of project you might get involved in to show your love for others: tutoring, visiting a nursing home, going on a missions trip. Think of something you'd like others to do for you, and then do that very thing for someone else! It may be something as simple as a few kind words of encouragement, spending some time listening to a friend, taking a friend some cookies, or inviting him or her to a movie or out for a quick burger. Look for practical ways to show concern.

Want More?

If you've found this column helpful, you might be interested in reading the Deeper Devotions Series, also by Jim Long. It's Who You Are That Counts is about the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). When Life Gets Tough is a study on the book of James. Both are published by Zondervan Publishing House and are available at your local Christian bookstore, or call 1-800-727-3480.

Copyright © 1997 by the author or Christianity Today International/Campus Life magazine. For reprint information call 630-260-6200 or e-mail clmag@CampusLife.net September/October 1997. Page 10

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