“We know what real love is because Christ gave up his life for us. And so we also ought to give up our lives for our Christian brothers and sisters.” 1 John 3:16
Think of a sentence that describes love? What did you come up with? How about, Christ on the Cross! Now think of a word that describes love? You got it-Christ!
Number 23 on our list of things to crave-Love
Love is one of the hardest actions to display. It goes against the flesh, which is full of self. Instead of walking with confidence we battle insecurity. Instead of walking in the mercy of Christ we walk in self-condemnation. Instead of yielding to others we demand to be yielded to. However, we can overcome the flesh and love because of Christ in us.
We must understand however, that we are INCAPABLE of loving or displaying love without Christ in us.
Love can only be displayed through us, when, we let the Holy Spirit have control of our lives.
When the Holy Spirit takes control He fills our thoughts with things that are true, honorable and right-thoughts that are pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and worthy of praise.
THEN
From those thoughts He will produce fruit that is of; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
When you receive the love of Christ you will also cling to His every Word.
You were made in the very image of God! He knit you together with His own two hands and made you wonderfully complex! His workmanship is marvelous, therefore making you marvelous! You are not worthless because God does not make worthless things! You are of more value than the birds in the sky, or the lilies in the fields. You are so loved and wonderful to the Lord that out of 7 BILLION people He desires an intimate one on one relationship with you!
When we allow those thoughts to take root, our whole mind set changes, and true beauty begins to pour out from within us.
Love is the ultimate expression of God’s loyalty, purity, and mercy extended toward his people. Love is the picture of Christ when placed upon the cross bearing the sin of the world. Love is the picture of His nail scarred hands. Jesus is love! And when we have Jesus we have love!
Today let love overtake you by putting your thoughts on Jesus! Let love be the sweetest thing you crave today. Because once you have a taste, you will become addicted.
Prayer: Jesus thank you for being the ultimate expression of love. Thank you that Your love is unconditional, perfect, and extremely intoxicating! Amen
