LOVE


1 John. 5 :2

"There are ten strong things. Iron is strong, but fire melts it. Fire is strong, but water quenches it. Water is strong, but the clouds evaporate it. Clouds are strong, but wind drives them away. Man is strong, but fears cast him down. Fear is strong, but sleep overcomes. Sleep is strong, yet death is stronger. But loving kindness survives death."

Love is probably the strongest emotion that we, as humans, can express. We are born with the ability to love and to accept love. This is one of the areas that separate us from the animal kingdom. Because of being created with the ability to choose, we can either choose to love or not; we can either choose to accept love or reject love. It is up to each individual. To love and accept love is actually seen as good for your health. Through studies it has been shown that, on the average, happily married people live longer than either those who remain single or those who have unhappy marriages.
First of all in this lesson;

I. LOVE GOD; WHY?
Well, the basic reason above all is that He deserves it.
1. He created you
2. He has blessed you with all necessities to sustain life
3. He gave His only Son Jesus to die for your sins.
He demands it for our benefit and HIS glory.

Luke 10:27 tells us, "And he answered, "YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND; AND YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF." (NAS95)

Loving God also shows that we love God’s children properly.
1 John 5:2 tells us, "By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and observe His commandments." (NAS95)


II. LOVE PARENTS

Ephesians 6:1-3 reads, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER (which is the first commandment with a promise), SO THAT IT MAY BE WELL WITH YOU, AND THAT YOU MAY LIVE LONG ON THE EARTH." (NAS95)

Notice that this is:
a.) a command
b.) a command with a promise
c.) an unconditional promise – Honor whether you agree with them, respect them, or even like them.
One way to love your parents is never embarrassing them by your actions.
Joshua said, "As for me and my house, WE will serve the Lord." (Deuteronomy 27:16)
'Cursed is he who dishonors his father or mother.' And all the people shall say, 'Amen.' (NAS95)

III. LOVE OTHERS
Galatians 5:14 we are told, "For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF." (NAS95)

In what ways can I show love to others?
1.) Share Jesus and His church with those who are lost
2.) Serve without the expectation of payment
3.) Have the proper attitudes in life and worship

a. Jealousies and angers must be controlled
b. Competition among members should cease
c. Showing a Christian example for those inside The Church and outside of Christ

Romans 13:10 the Apostle Paul by God's Holy Spirit tells us, "Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law." (NAS95) Now go and do the right thing.

I hope you all enjoy this devotion and remember to stay faithful to our GREAT GOD!! Until next time may God bless.