Living The Dash (5)

“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Eph 5:1-2 (NIV)

Who do I love and who loves me? Love is a fruit of the Spirit and an indicator of a Christ-centered life. Loving God and loving others is the outflow of the Christian life. God wants us to live a life of love. Our model to follow is Jesus. He demonstrated His love for us by giving Himself up for us on the cross

• “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death.” 1 John 3:14 (NIV)
• “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” 1 John 4:7-8 (NIV)

Who do you love? Who are the people in your life who are the consistent recipients of your love? God calls us to love one another. God is love and those who know God love others. It is true that some people are difficult to love. Remember, God is not asking us to do anything He has not already done. God is not asking us to extend any measure of love that He has not already extended to us.

Who loves you? Of course, God loves you and He has clearly affirmed His love for you by allowing His only Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for you. Who else loves you? Begin to name them one by one in a prayer of thanksgiving to God for them. Express your gratitude to God for the people He has placed in your life to allow you to experience love personally. God is so good.

Pursuing God,

Stephen Trammell
Executive Pastor