Category Archives: seeking understanding

How do we love God? Is it by doing things for him? Or is it by loving those he loves? Who does he love? He loves your neighbor, your enemy, those you know who love him (this is the one another Bit).

So Advent is a time to love. Serving. Putting aside things that divide. Praying for those who persecute you in different ways. These are what Jesus has taught us to do. So let us love.

“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” 1Corinthians‬ ‭13:7‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Because God does, and he does within us.

Love for us

“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” (John‬ ‭15:13‬ ‭ESV‬‬)

Unconditional love for us. Steadfast love for us. God’s love for us.

You are loved. Celebrate his LOVE for you! Cultivate your love for him.

Earlier we looked at Romans 5:1 and what we learn about God making peace with us.

At the end of that brief section, Paul concludes the thought with these words.

“…and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” (Romans‬ ‭5:5‬ ‭ESV‬‬)

Talk about an Advent present! How gracious our God to give us peace, hope and love?

Soli Deo Gloria

Jesus came in love, because of love and made his love accessible to all. He told his listeners to love God, love your neighbor, one another, and to love our enemies.

During Advent it would be a good practice to pause and identify those you might avoid for whatever reason. Let’s consider beginning to pray for that person right now. Here’s a sample prayer:

“Lord, I ask you to bless _________ and to help them in every way. May they know and love you. May I love them, by your working in me. In Jesus name, Amen.“

Try it for a month. Perhaps God will change your heart.

This week we will consider the third advent theme of love. There are few better places to begin than Jesus own words:

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John‬ ‭3:16‬ ‭ESV‬‬)

In this season of Advent, and every season, remember dear reader, YOU are loved by God. A great sacrificial, unconditional love.