I am using a devotional this year that I received as a Christmas present. It has been such a blessing. I would like to share today's devotional thought with you.
Colossians 3:14-15 Above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.
We are told to put on love, as if it were a garment. How do you put on a garment? It starts with a decision. Before I put on a shirt in the morning I walk over to the closet, choose one, and make a conscious decision as an act of my will to put it on. Paul is telling us that love is the same way.
Yet our culture does not teach us that love is something you put on or take off. Our culture teaches us that love is something you "fall into" or "fall out of". Our culture emphasizes the emotional aspect. Elvis had a popular song (some of you are old enough to remember him) called "I can't help falling in love with you". The title of that song grasps the essence of the prevailing cultural ideas about love. It is something that either happens or it doesn't. If it doesn't you can't help it, if it does you can't help it either.
Totally different idea of love is presented in scripture. Scripture teaches us that when it comes to love, you can help it! Furthermore, we are commanded to help it! Love according to scripture is a choice!
The awesome thing is that when we choose love, we are able to let the peace of God rule in our hearts too! That's the icing on the cake.
Now let's face it, it is easier to love some people than it is others. When it comes to loving the unlovable, that is where God really gets involved. Is there anybody in your world you are struggling to love? Ask the Lord to help you. He will. He never commands you to do anything that He does not help you do!
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