Tuesday, August 8, 2023

 


Are You in Love with God?

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.” (NKJV)

This verse tells us that love is the essence of God’s nature and character, and that those who have experienced His love through faith in Jesus Christ are His children and share His likeness. It also urges us to love one another as a reflection of God’s love for us.

Audio version of blog https://youtu.be/y86BPG2K3p0

Introduction:

As a pastor, I believe it is essential to reflect on our relationship with God and assess whether we are truly in love with Him. Being in love with God is the foundation of a meaningful and fulfilling spiritual life. Let's explore the negatives and destructive behaviors that manifest when we are out of love with God, as well as the positive and transformative aspects of being in love with Him. Here are three topics for each category: 

I. Out of Love with God:

Neglecting Prayer and Worship (Jeremiah 2:32)

Scripture: Jeremiah 2:32 - "Does a young woman forget her jewelry, or a bride her wedding ornaments? Yet my people have forgotten me, days without number."

Explainer Points:

a) Neglecting prayer and worship shows a lack of desire to connect with God.

b) Failing to seek God's presence can lead to feelings of emptiness and spiritual drought.

Pursuing Worldly Desires (1 John 2:15-17) 

Scripture: 1 John 2:15-17 - "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world."

Explainer Points:

a) Chasing worldly desires over God's will leads to spiritual distance and moral compromise.

b) Earthly pursuits cannot satisfy the soul's longing for true fulfillment found in God's love.


Engaging in Unforgiveness and Hatred (1 John 4:20)

Scripture: 1 John 4:20 - "Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen."

Explainer Points:

a) Holding onto grudges and hatred separates us from God's love and hinders spiritual growth.

b) God's love calls us to forgive and love others, mirroring His boundless love for us.

II. In Love with God: 

Delighting in His Word (Psalm 1:2)

Scripture: Psalm 1:2 - "But whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night."

Explainer Points:

a) Immersing ourselves in God's Word strengthens our love for Him and aligns us with His will.

b) Regularly studying the Bible deepens our understanding of God's character and His love for us.

Sharing His Love with Others (1 John 4:11)

Scripture: 1 John 4:11 - "Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another."

Explainer Points:

a) Expressing God's love through acts of kindness and compassion reflects our love for Him.

b) Loving others opens doors for them to experience the transformative power of God's love.

Trusting in His Plan (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

Explainer Points:

a) Trusting in God's plan demonstrates our faith and love in His sovereignty.

b) Surrendering to God's guidance leads to a life filled with purpose and divine blessings.

Link to my Book on Amazon Kindle: Sweet Aroma of Success: https://shorturl.at/LR159

Conclusion:

In conclusion, being in love with God leads to a life of joy, peace, and purpose, while being out of love with Him results in emptiness and destructive behaviors. Let us rekindle our love for God by prioritizing prayer, seeking His will, and embracing His unconditional love for us. As we walk in love with God, we will experience a deeper and more intimate relationship with our Heavenly Father. May our lives be a testament to the transformative power of God's love in our hearts and the world around us. 



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