05/10/2021
Worth the Extra Effort
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him.
─ 1 John 4:7-9 ESV
Worth the Extra Effort
Relationships can be difficult to navigate. We all have preconceived ideas from our past that form our expectations, hopes, dreams and dread of disappointments. But, if you’re willing to look to God as your example for relationship, and follow Him, you can build relationships like He intended.
God loves you unconditionally. He demonstrated relationships are important. In our verse today, your heavenly Father calls you to love others like He loves you. He counted you worth the extra effort He knew it would take to bring you back into a relationship with Him.
Relationships can be worth the extra effort it takes to have great friendships that last into eternity. He asks you to show your love in a way that others feel his love through you.
The question is, are you willing to invest in relationship by:
- Asking for forgiveness when you fail.
- Forgiving others when they disappoint you.
- Taking time to connect, even when you don’t feel like you have the time.
- Giving of yourself, by being available when others need you.
- Asking for help from others when you need it.
- Setting healthy boundaries for yourself and others.
- Holding yourself and others accountable when necessary.
Today’s One Thing
Individuals experience love differently. Ask God to show you how to demonstrate His love to three people in your life this week. Put a reminder in your phone to do or say something that you know will speak to their heart. A few examples to get you started may include sending a “just because I care” card in the mail, dropping by to check in on someone who doesn’t get out much these days or sending a text to let someone know you’re thinking of them and praying for them at that specific moment.
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