Welcome!
Today: True love happens- when you are truly born again!
Passage: 1 Peter 1
22 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.[b] 23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. (1 Peter 1, NIV84) –emphasis added
2000 years ago, they had such love-deep love among the children of God
Today, that has disappeared (?). Everybody is about themselves
I know there are exceptions-especially where there is persecution, there is strong christian love among the people in the church
Unless the love of Christ truly penetrates our heart, we can’t love others truly
First, we need to be truly born again. Then only will the word have any impact on us. True love can come only from a transparent, purified heart!
In most cases, the reason why we are not able to love others is because our heart is not pure- not because something is wrong with them!
The word of God will grow and bear fruit only in a heart that is prepared well
When a farmer sows a seed (with life in it) on the (dead)ground, the seed takes root and shoot and grows into a plant. Usually, the seed is dried well before sowing, but that does not take the life away from it. Life is strong!
The reason why we lost our spiritual appetite, and why we don’t feel like reading the word or praying, is because we are sick-spiritually sick!
We have sick families and sick churches. We are on “sick leave” from God, for months and years! God is asking, “when will you be back, my dear…?”
That which is born of human seed will only live so long, in time and quality
That which is born of God (the seed of God’s word), will have abundant and eternal life!
When we know that we are spiritually weak and sick, better come to God and admit it. Follow His prescriptions and get well soon!
The longer we stay in the spiritually sick condition, more complications will develop and a complete restoration will be difficult!
The word of God is powerful, imperishable and living. Most churches don’t emphasize on the importance of the word or prayer, as they should. They are like “just come here every Sunday, and we will fix it”. Instead, we need to read the word like a prescription medicine or like milk. Prayer should be as important as breathing. Praise and worship should be as important as food
I remember reading an article in Newsday on how faith and prayer help a person live longer and have a better quality life. This was not from any preacher, but from secular medical physicians!
So, it is worth clinging on to God!
Have a blessed day!
BG
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for loving me and four pouring your love into this dead “me”. Now that you have quickened me to life, help me to live that life to its full, radiating that love and life into others through your word and spirit. Amen
“Those who don’t pray (at home), play (in the) church”