Love’s Article of Faith: Devotion for Saturday, February 15, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Saturday, February 15, 2020

Topic: Love’s Article of Faith  

Text: 1 Corinthians 13:4 – 7

Yesterday we talked about Love. In our bible reading for the day, Paul goes further to explain what Love really means which I have termed Love’s Article of faith or creed. Creed means set of principle. Because love is so important among the believers, Paul described love in detail. First of all, love is patient, the opposite of being short-tempered. Patience (sometimes translated “long-suffering” or “slow to anger”) is an attribute of God (see Exodus 34:6; Numbers 14:18; Romans 2:4; 1 Peter 3:20).

In many places, we are called upon to be patient (Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 3:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:14). Patience is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). Real love bears with certain annoyances or inconveniences without complaint. It does not lose its temper when provoked. It steadily perseveres amidst trials.

Love is also kind. Kindness takes the initiative in responding generously to others’ needs. Because we have received kindness, we ought to act with kindness toward others too. Real love is considerate and helpful to others. Love is gentle and mild; always ready to show compassion, especially to those in need. Love is not jealous. A jealous person desires what another person has and it leads to envy. Love is not boastful or proud.

While some believers may have a problem with envy, those with the ‘greater’ gifts might have a problem with boasting or pride. Gifted believers who are caught up in pride and boasting over their gifts don’t serve well. Without love, they may feel that by using their gifts, they are doing someone a favor, that others should be grateful to them, and that they are far superior. It is this kind of love Paul described here that we need in our hearts to serve God and our neighbours.

Food for Thought: Do you have this real love in your heart?

Memory verse: 1 Peter 4:8

Prayer: God, sow in my heart genuine love for you and my neighbours.

BE FERVENT IN SPIRITUAL MATTERS: Devotion for Friday October 7, 2016

BE FERVENT IN SPIRITUAL MATTERS: Devotion for Friday October 7, 2016        

Text: Romans 12:9 – 13         Memory verse: Romans 12 v 11

Fervent means showing passionate enthusiasm or glowingly hot. In the context of our text, it is being passionately enthusiastic in spiritual matters. To be enthusiastic is to show excited interest. What Paul meant here is that Roman Christians should be excited about spiritual things more than any other thing else. He advised that the professed love of Christians to each other should be sincere, free from deceit, and deceitful compliments. Again, they must detest and dread all evil, and love and delight in whatever is kind and useful; being zealous, enthusiastic, and not indifferent. We should be ready to entertain travellers and strangers, especially such as are labouring or suffering for Christ as there is occasion and we must welcome strangers.

Those that rejoice in hope are likely to be patient in tribulation. This informs Paul’s advice because our hope as Christian is in heaven, where Christ is. We should not be cold or weary in the duty of prayer. These admonitions will help to improve our commitment to God and our relationship with one another. Christians, who serve the Lord enthusiastically, would never want to be lazy. Paul is not advocating activity for activity’s sake. Rather, we should consistently use our spiritual gifts to serve the body. We have been called (1:6–7), challenged (12:1–2), and equipped (12:4–6) for serving the Lord. We must fight against discouragement, depression, and being negative; we must do our best to keep our spiritual temperature high.

Food for Thought: Christians, who serve the Lord enthusiastically, would never want to be lazy.

Prayer: Lord, rekindle my enthusiasm for your service in Jesus name.

FOR GOOD TO COME: Devotion for Wednesday September 30, 2015

FOR GOOD TO COME                      Wednesday September 30, 2015

Text: Job 22:21 – 30                         Memory verse: v 21

The answer of Eliphaz the Temanite wrongly implied that Job had hitherto not known God (22:21), and that prosperity in this life would follow his sincere conversion. His counsel here is good, though, as to Job, it was built upon a false supposition that he was a stranger and enemy to God. However, it is the only way to receive God’s blessing. Beware of slandering your brethren; and if we suffer in this manner, we should remember how Job was treated; even, how Jesus was reviled, and be patient. We should examine ourselves whether there is any form of slander in our words and walk watchfully, so as to be clear of all appearances of evil.

Beloved, we should note that sin hinders our blessings (Proverbs 28:13). Though it was wrong supposition in the case of Job, but it is the general truth. If you desire good, you should repent of your sins.

Food for Thought: Have you made peace with God?

Prayer: God reveal any sin I have not confessed that I may repent them and make peace with you in Jesus name.