Day 6:
In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. (1 John 4:10- 11)
I think it’s fair to say that many people honor God out of duty or resolve – or because they’re afraid of God’s anger. How many times have you heard someone say they did something wrong, and now they’re waiting for the proverbial bolt of lightning to strike? But God wants us to obey him because we love him! And that love relationship changes everything. God’s love makes us know that his rules are for our benefit.
When we truly understand God’s love and grace through the revelation of Jesus Christ, we’re drawn into a relationship that’s filled with love, calling us to live a life that pleases God. Then we obey God no longer out of obligation but from a heart of gratitude, knowing we serve the One who spared not even his own Son to give us eternal life.
Prayer: Father, thank you for loving me so much that you sent your Son to pay the penalty for my sins. May I respond to your love by loving those around me.