Today's
scripture: 1 John 3:10-12
Yes, if we are not practicing righteousness, we
are not of God. Furthermore, if we do not love our brothers and sisters, we are
also not of God.
It all comes down to those greatest commandments of Jesus again:
"'AND YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH
ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH.' The second
is this, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.' There is no other
commandment greater than these" (Mark 12:30-31, NASB).
I know I've written this before, but it's so true.
If you love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, you're not
going to practice sin. Instead, you're going to want to know Him so intimately that
you'll spend time in His word. You'll learn what pleases Him. And you'll begin
to practice righteousness more and more often.
And if you love your neighbor as yourself, you'll treat them with respect and
grace and mercy. Just as Jesus treats you. If you love them, you won't sin
against them. You won't cheat or gossip or explode in anger. Instead, you'll be
gentle and kind and patient.
Tall orders ... But I believe it's a matter of mindset. You won't always
succeed in loving God completely or loving your neighbor deeply, but if your
heart and mind are focused on both, you'll begin to live both.
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