Seeds Of Hope Daily Devotional: love

Showing posts with label love. Show all posts

Thursday, September 19, 2024

The Greatest of These

Abraham Lincoln was known for his kindness to everyone. He was often criticized by his associates for being so gracious.

On one occasion one of them said, “With all of the power you have, why don’t you destroy your enemies?”

“Am I not destroying my enemies,” he asked, “when I make them my friends?”

Perhaps there is no more misunderstood or misused word in our world today than the word “love.” Nearly everyone has their own personal meaning for it. For some it has a “sexual” meaning. For others it has an “I like to be with you” meaning. And there are those who see love as demonstrating an unselfish concern for others - helping them when they are unable to help themselves or even provide for themselves.

Paul speaks of a love that is supremely concerned with the best interests and welfare of others. It is a love that makes the needs and concerns of others my very own. It is as though I am saying, “I don’t walk away from the needs of others, I take them with me. If they have a need, it is my need. If they hurt, I hurt. If they are in pain, it is my pain as well. If they have no food, I will share my food with them.”

As Christians we must move beyond the feeling, sentimental and emotional types of love to a love that forces us to do what Jesus would have us to do for others.

Prayer: Lord, we see in Your life and death the real meaning of love. Strengthen us to live as you lived and to love as You loved so others will see You in our lives. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 1 Corinthians 13

Friday, December 4, 2020

"Love With Skin On It"

A young man, who grew up in a housing project, having little hope and few goods, heard an evangelist preaching “love” on a street corner. After listening for a few moments, he shouted to the preacher, “I’m sick and tired of you people talking about love. I want to see love. I want to feel love. I want to see love with some skin on it!”

That’s Christmas: “God’s love with skin on it.”

Paul wrote, “For in Christ the fullness of God lives in a human body!”

In Jesus, we see Someone bringing love to life – but a very special type of love. It is God’s love. We see this love coming to life when Jesus fed the hungry, gave sight to the blind, cleansed the lepers, healed the sick, offering water to a thirsty soul, calming the waves to relieve the fears of experienced fishermen, washing dirty feet, spending time with little children, teaching people the truth that brought meaning and purpose to their lives and finally hanging lifeless from a cross – abandoned and alone.

Jesus is God loving through a human heart, healing with a human hand, walking on errands of mercy with human feet, showing love, grace and mercy to those who would do Him harm.

Jesus is God loving the least, the last and the lost. In Jesus, God showed His love with “skin on it.”

Prayer: Help us, Father, to put Your “love in our skin” and take Your love to those in need. May we be as faithful in caring for others as You are in caring for us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: Colossians 2:9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.

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"Love With Skin On It"

That’s Christmas: “God’s love with skin on it.”

Paul wrote, “For in Christ the fullness of God lives in a human body!”

Jesus is God loving through a human heart, healing with a human hand, walking on errands of mercy with human feet, showing love, grace and mercy to those who would do Him harm.

Jesus is God loving the least, the last and the lost. In Jesus, God showed His love with “skin on it.”

Prayer: Help us, Father, to put Your “love in our skin” and take Your love to those in need. May we be as faithful in caring for others as You are in caring for us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: Colossians 2:9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.

Please leave a comment and tell us how you were helped by today's devotional!

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Theories And Realities

A mother recently said, “Before I had children I read every book I could on how to raise them. I must have developed at least a hundred theories on how I should bring them up and train them. Now, after raising seven children, I have only two: Love them even when they least deserve love, and hold them accountable for everything they do - even when it hurts.”

That sounds like advice that would come from God - not only about how we are to raise our children, but how He “raises” His children.

Everyone needs love - especially the type of love that has its source in God. His love is a love that is undeserved, fair, just, essential, and life-giving. It is a love that may require a self-sacrificial act for the good of anyone who God brings into our lives - whether a family member, friend, or someone who enters our life for a brief moment. It is a way of acting “with grace and mercy” toward another person rather than a feeling that may be fleeting and short-lived.

But there is also a need for accountability - being responsible, first to God and then to others to share His love. Although God has given each of us the freedom of choice, we are also responsible to Him for each and every choice we make. Whatever we do and wherever we do it, we are accountable to Him to show His love. When we are born again, we are changed from the inside out, and obligated to live His love, show His grace and demonstrate His mercy.

Prayer: Your Word, Lord, clearly states that others will know that we are Your disciples if we show them Your love. Help each of us to accept and fulfill this obligation. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: If you love each other, all men will know you are My followers. John 13:35

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Theories And Realities

That sounds like advice that would come from God - not only about how we are to raise our children, but how He “raises” His children.

Scripture For Today: If you love each other, all men will know you are My followers. John 13:35

Were you helped by today's devotional? Leave a comment and let us know!

Monday, March 30, 2020

"You Be Jesus"

It was a Saturday morning and many activities were scheduled for the day. To make it special, the mother of Albert and George was preparing pancakes for them. Suddenly, they began to argue over which of them would get the first one.

Dismayed over their arguing, the mother said, “If Jesus were sitting here, He’d say ‘Let my brother have the first pancake.’”

“Great idea, Mom! George, you be Jesus and I’ll take the first pancake,” said Albert.

Paul, writing about how to “live love,” said that “love does not demand its own way.” In other words, the love that we as Christians are to demonstrate in our lives is not a self-centered love. It is a love that focuses on the needs of others - the way God loves us.

God loves us relentlessly, completely, unreservedly, and uncompromisingly with no limitations or conditions. In spite of our shortcomings or failures, He is there in us, for us, with us - loving us.

And, what does He ask of us? First, that we love Him in return for His love. Then, He asks us to love others as He loves us. When we love others as He loves us, we show others what Christian love is all about – something this world desperately needs. Live God’s love!
Prayer:Help us, Lord, to love as You loved, to give as You gave, to care as You cared, and to do as You did. May others see Jesus in us! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.

"You Be Jesus"

Dismayed over their arguing, the mother said, “If Jesus were sitting here, He’d say ‘Let my brother have the first pancake.’”

“Great idea, Mom! George, you be Jesus and I’ll take the first pancake,” said Albert.

God loves us relentlessly, completely, unreservedly, and uncompromisingly with no limitations or conditions. In spite of our shortcomings or failures, He is there in us, for us, with us - loving us.

Sunday, April 23, 2017

Lunch Box Religion

In a “Peanuts” comic strip, Linus carefully listened to Lucy as she boasted about her religious zeal. She wanted him to think that she was all about witnessing to others.

“You know, Linus,” she bragged, “I could be a terrific evangelist. Do you know the kid that sits behind me in school? I convinced him that my religion was better than his religion!”

“How did you do that?” he asked.

“I hit him with my lunch box until he gave in,” she replied.

Jesus said, “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” Jesus knew that love would work better than a lunch box!

Biblical love must never be confused with warm, fuzzy feelings or emotional ups and downs. Biblical love is a love that would open ones lunch box to someone who is hungry and in need of food even though the lunch box owner would have to do without food. It is a love that may cause us to give until we ourselves have to do without. It is a love that will, at times, drain us of energy and finances to help those who are victims of wrongdoing through no fault of their own. It is a love that absorbs the hurts of others without complaining or holding back when we think that we are being taken advantage of. It is a kind of love that is hard to do. But it is the kind of love we see revealed in the life of Jesus.

Prayer: We see in Your Son, Father, the ultimate definition of love – a love that had or has no limits or draws no lines. Fill our hearts with a love like Your Son. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: John 13:35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Lunch Box Religion

In a “Peanuts” comic strip, Linus carefully listened to Lucy as she boasted about her religious zeal. She wanted him to think that she was all about witnessing to others.

“You know, Linus,” she bragged, “I could be a terrific evangelist. Do you know the kid that sits behind me in school? I convinced him that my religion was better than his religion!”

“How did you do that?” he asked.

“I hit him with my lunch box until he gave in,” she replied.

Jesus said, “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” Jesus knew that love would work better than a lunch box!

Prayer: We see in Your Son, Father, the ultimate definition of love – a love that had or has no limits or draws no lines. Fill our hearts with a love like Your Son. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: John 13:35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Thursday, February 2, 2017

Mercy. Who Needs It?

Alexander the Great was the first conqueror of the world. Even today, as we recognize leaders who have impacted the world, he is considered as one of the most remarkable men of history.

Late in his life an artist was commissioned to paint a portrait of him. In discussing the content of the painting Alexander informed the artist that he was anxious to conceal the scar on his face.

To accommodate him, the artist painted the portrait of Alexander in a reflective mood with his head resting on his hand and a finger covering the scar. This act of insight and kindness worked perfectly and the scar was hidden. The artist wanted to meet the expectations of Alexander not embarrass him.

That’s love in action – reflecting the mercy of one who honors the needs of others.

The Apostle Peter summed up the behavior that we, as Christians, are to show others: “Most important of all,” he wrote, “continue to show deep love for each other.”

Love is always expressed in showing mercy to those in need. If we say that we have love for others, yet do nothing to help them in their times of need, we do not reflect our appreciation for the compassion that God, through Christ, has shown us.

We can only show our gratitude for the grace of God in our lives by what we do to and for others. Words are not works and our thoughts will not help others.

Prayer: Help us, Lord, to show our gratitude to You for the love, grace and mercy You shower upon us each day, by what we do to help others in their times of need. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: 1 Peter 4:8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.”

Mercy. Who Needs It?

Alexander the Great was the first conqueror of the world. Even today, as we recognize leaders who have impacted the world, he is considered as one of the most remarkable men of history.

Late in his life an artist was commissioned to paint a portrait of him. In discussing the content of the painting Alexander informed the artist that he was anxious to conceal the scar on his face.

That’s love in action – reflecting the mercy of one who honors the needs of others.

The Apostle Peter summed up the behavior that we, as Christians, are to show others: “Most important of all,” he wrote, “continue to show deep love for each other.”

We can only show our gratitude for the grace of God in our lives by what we do to and for others. Words are not works and our thoughts will not help others.

Prayer: Help us, Lord, to show our gratitude to You for the love, grace and mercy You shower upon us each day, by what we do to help others in their times of need. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: 1 Peter 4:8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.”

Tuesday, January 10, 2017

Keep 'Em Down!

A group of tourists was strolling along the ocean front when they saw a group of young boys catching crabs.

They became curious when they saw that the basket they placed the captured crabs in had no top. As a crab was being placed into the basket one of the men said, “You’d better cover the basket or all of the crabs will climb out!”

“Oh no, sir,” said one of the boys. “That’ll never happen. If one of them tries to climb out the others will pull him down.”

How like many who attend church each Sunday and call themselves “disciples.” Whenever they hear of someone being promoted or another, who receives an unusual gift or special recognition or a reward for their performance at work, they are unable to rejoice with the one whom God has blessed. They look for reasons to pull that one down.

How sad that gossip, jealousy and envy rules so many lives!

Paul wrote that “Love is not jealous!” In other words, if I truly love others as God wants me to love them, I do not become jealous when God blesses them. Instead, I rejoice at His goodness to them. Whatever we have or what others have comes from God. They are His blessings.

The love that Paul writes about is not a natural love. It is a God-love that comes from Christ dwelling in us. Only as we surrender our lives to Him will we live His love and so that others will see Him in the way we live.

Prayer: Help us, Lord, to rejoice when You bless others and give sincere thanks when You honor us. Fill our hearts with so much love that we will rejoice and be glad. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Keep 'Em Down!

A group of tourists was strolling along the ocean front when they saw a group of young boys catching crabs.

“Oh no, sir,” said one of the boys. “That’ll never happen. If one of them tries to climb out the others will pull him down.”

How sad that gossip, jealousy and envy rules so many lives!

Prayer: Help us, Lord, to rejoice when You bless others and give sincere thanks when You honor us. Fill our hearts with so much love that we will rejoice and be glad. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

When Heaven Came Down

A little girl took her first elevator ride with her father. When they arrived at the top floor, he asked, “What did you think of that? Did you like it?”

“I don’t know, Daddy,” she replied. “It was kind of funny. We got into this little house, and then the upstairs came down.”

An amusing little story, isn’t it? But that’s exactly what happened when God sent His Son into the world. God sent Jesus, His Son, into the world to give us life and light, hope and healing, grace and goodness.

We are expected to do the same through Him. We are to take the message of salvation to others, light up the dark pathways of those who are still blinded by sin, give hope to those who are unable to see past their problems, show grace to those who are burdened beyond measure and demonstrate goodness to those who are in need by sharing our possessions with them.

It is not enough that we know God’s “Golden Rule.” He expects us to live it every day of our lives.

Prayer: Help me, Dear Jesus, to live as You lived and do as You did that I might give to others what You gave to me. May I take a little bit of heaven to others because You brought all of heaven to me. In Your Name. Amen.

Scripture: John 10:9-18 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me – just as the Father knows me and I know the Father – and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.

When Heaven Came Down

A little girl took her first elevator ride with her father. When they arrived at the top floor, he asked, “What did you think of that? Did you like it?”

“I don’t know, Daddy,” she replied. “It was kind of funny. We got into this little house, and then the upstairs came down.”

It is not enough that we know God’s “Golden Rule.” He expects us to live it every day of our lives.

Thursday, December 8, 2016

My One And Only Love

A shopper once said to a sales associate, “I want the most beautiful gold heart that you have in your store and I want you to hang it on the finest gold chain available. It’s for my fiancée.”

After considering many different choices, he made his decision, and said, “I’ll take that one. Inscribe on it, 'My one and only love.'”

“Shall I inscribe her name on it?” asked the sales associate.

“Oh no!” came the instant reply. “If we break up, I may want to use it again.”

How different is God’s love. We hear it in the words of Jesus when He said, “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” How comforting it is to know that God’s love is permanent. How fortunate we are to know that God’s love is guaranteed by His Word. How wonderful it is to know that God’s love is for everyone. And finally, how grateful it is to know that His love makes our salvation through Jesus Christ possible.

Prayer: Help us, Father, to understand how much You love us. May those who read this “Seed” come to know You and accept Your Son as their Savior and love Him because He first loved us and gave Himself for us. Amen.

Scripture: 1 John 4:11-12 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

Thursday, December 1, 2016

The Best Medicine Is Love

A country doctor said, “I’ve been practicing medicine for over 30 years. During all those years I have prescribed many different things. But in the long run, I’ve learned that for most of what ails the human condition, the best medicine is love!”

“But,” asked a student, “what if it does not work?”

“Double the dose,” came the quick reply.

Many have said that love is the greatest medicine in the world. It can do more to heal the sick than most medicines. But what is this “healing love?” It is holding someone’s hand when they are lonely. It is shedding a tear with someone who is brokenhearted. It is sitting quietly beside someone who is grieving. It is having a cup of coffee with someone who has been abandoned by a loved one. It is praying with someone who is overwhelmed with discouragement.

Love is not an emotion that is based on a passing feeling. It comes from a compassionate heart that has experienced the conversion that God has provided for us through His Son. Love is something that is born of God and given by God.

Love is a gift. Take it and let it grow.

Love is a sign. Wear it and let it show.

Love is an act. Do it and let it go.

Prayer:Fill our hearts, Father, with Your love. May we overcome selfishness by living lives of service as Your Son, our Savior did. In His name, Amen.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Friday, November 18, 2016

The Greatest Of These

Abraham Lincoln was known for his kindness to everyone. He was often criticized by his associates for being so gracious.

On one occasion one of them said, “With all of the power you have, why don’t you destroy your enemies?”

“Am I not destroying my enemies,” he asked, “when I make them my friends?”

Perhaps there is no more misunderstood or misused word in our world today than the word “love.” Nearly everyone has their own personal meaning for it. For some it has a “sexual” meaning. For others it has an “I like to be with you” meaning. And there are those who see love as demonstrating an unselfish concern for others – helping them when they are unable to help themselves or even provide for themselves.

As Christians we must move beyond the feeling, sentimental and emotional types of love to a love that calls us to do what Jesus would have us to do for others.

Prayer: Lord, we see in Your life and death the real meaning of love. Strengthen us to live as you lived and to love as You loved so others will see You in our lives. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: 1 Corinthians 13 …Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs…

Monday, August 8, 2016

Convenience Or Conviction

Years of struggle had finally ended for George. He completed all of his requirements to become a high school teacher. After sending out many resumes one principal finally invited him for an interview. He looked forward to it with great excitement.

Sitting across from the principal he was asked, “In your biology classes, would you teach biology or evolution?”
Anxious to get the job he replied, “I would teach it any way you wanted me to teach it. It really does not matter to me.”

In many of his letters Paul addressed the importance of being Christians of conviction. Writing to the church at Corinth he boldly declared: “Be on guard! Stand fast for what you believe. Be courageous. Be strong. And everything you do must be done with love!”

No apology here. Those words are as important when he wrote them as they are today. The spiritual danger to compromise our faith greets us everywhere we turn. The temptation to compromise our witness when we are called upon to speak boldly for Christ is difficult when the fear of rejection overwhelms us. And we often act unlovingly toward others when acts of kindness and thoughtfulness could be essential win them for Christ.

Prayer: Lord, we pray that we will become strong in our faith through You. May we rely on Your strength and power to overcome the temptation to compromise. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: 1 Corinthians 16:13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.

Sunday, June 26, 2016

Sowing Seeds of Beauty

Captain James Cook was one of the most famous British navigators. He sailed around the world many times. On each of his journeys he would take seeds of flowers that came from lovely English gardens.

Whenever his ship reached a port, he would disembark with his crew. While the crew enjoyed the city, he would take some of the seeds he brought with him and plant them in a garden near the port. Everywhere he went, he left a reminder of his visit by planting seeds that brought beauty to the lives of the people who lived in that city.

There is nothing more important for Christians to do than to share God’s love and beauty. Wherever He leads us in our journey through life, He will give us many opportunities to “plant” seeds of His love, salvation and hope.

Paul reminds us that we Christians must be clothed in God’s love. His love adds His beauty to our actions and makes whatever we do attractive to others. No matter what other gifts God may give us, we can all share His love in every word and deed.

Prayer: Lord, help us to always be mindful of the great love You have for us and as we do, be willing to go to any extreme to give that Love to others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: 1 Corinthians 13 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.