Week of September 10, 2023
The Priority of Love
Any reset of our relational life begins with a refocus on the priority God’s Word gives us: “The greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13). New Testament writers used the Greek word “agape” … defining it as divine love that is not earned or deserved, but given freely and generously. God fills us with that love so that it will, in turn, fill our relationships.
Monday | 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, 8-13
This passage shows us that the greatest of all of God's commands is to love. What gifts do you have? In what ways have you served the church or the people around you? How is love a critical part of that service? These verses say that without love, our efforts, gifts, and time are meaningless. How can you put love first in your own life this week? Is there any area in your life that you've been going through the motions rather than intentionally responding in love?
Tuesday | 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
This passage is one that is often familiar to us—we hear it at weddings, we see it displayed on signs, and it's mentioned frequently. Yet sometimes that familiarity makes it hard for us to dig deep into the meaning of all these attributes of love! God is love: so when we see a passage like this, we can substitute the name "God" for the word "love" and learn more about who He is. God is patient, God is kind, and so on. Take some time to meditate on these verses and how they relate to the character of God. Now, what about you? When God calls His people to be loving, what does that mean? These verses are a great example of having a character of love. Substitute your name into the verses and write them down—which phrases seem to come easily? Which ones do you need the Holy Spirit's guidance on?
Wednesday | 1 John 4:7-12
Who is the author talking to in this passage? Who does God call us to love? What does that look like? These verses talk about the importance of loving each other because God IS love. What does it mean that "God IS love"? Is there anyone in your life currently that is difficult for you to love? Take some time today to pray over your relationships and ask God to show you how to love the people around you, even those that might be difficult.
Thursday | 1 John 4:13-21
This passage mentions that there is no fear in love. What does that mean for your relationship with God? The last few verses talk about how if we claim to love God but hate a brother or sister we are liars. Have you ever found yourself hating a brother or sister in Christ? Are there any feelings of hatred that you need to repent of today? How can we show the world around us that we are followers of God?
Friday | John 13:34-35
Why does Jesus call us to love one another? What are the benefits? There are many people in our lives we can show love to, and many ways to do so. Take some time today to ask God to lead you to the right people and situations. Write down some ideas: Who can you show love to in a practical way this week? How can you show them love? What is your next step?
