“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13 ESV)

Love Is All Around Us

We hear countless songs about love. Movies, books, and poems are filled with stories about love. With so much said and written about it, you would think we would all be experts on the subject—but we are not.

Perhaps that is because the word love can mean so many different things.

Jesus showed us what the greatest kind of love looks like: being willing to lay down your life for another. And that is exactly what He did for us on the cross.

Jesus not only demonstrated this kind of love; He commanded us to follow His example:

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” (John 15:12 ESV)

We can love others this way because Jesus loved us first.

“We love because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:19 ESV)

Therefore

“Let all that you do be done in love.” (1 Cor. 16:14 ESV)

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.” (1 John 4:7 ESV)

“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8 ESV)

“So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” (1 Cor. 13:13 ESV)

Quotes

“Love is the doorway through which the human soul passes from selfishness to service.” — Jack Hyles

“In the New Testament, love is more of a verb than a noun. It has more to do with acting than with feeling. The call to love is not so much a call to a certain state of feeling as it is to a quality of action.” — R. C. Sproul

“But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.”
(Heb. 5:14 ESV)

Discernment Must Be Trained

Discernment is the ability to recognize the difference between truth and error, wisdom and foolishness, and good and evil. Scripture says this ability is trained by constant practice.

The more familiar you become with God’s Word, the easier it becomes to recognize something that does not agree with it.

Test What You Hear

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God…” (1 John 4:1 ESV)

Not everything that sounds spiritual is from God. Test what you hear against Scripture. Popularity, sincerity, and persuasive words are never substitutes for truth.

Discern What Is Excellent

“And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent…” (Phil. 1:9-10 ESV)

Discernment is not only recognizing what is wrong; it is also recognizing what is best.

Ask God for Understanding

“Give your servant therefore an understanding mind… that I may discern between good and evil…”
(1 Kings 3:9 ESV)

Like Solomon, ask God for understanding. Before making a decision, ask: Does this agree with God’s Word? Does it honor Christ? Is it wise and pleasing to God?

Therefore

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Rom. 12:2 ESV)

Call to Action

Train your discernment every day. Read God’s Word, pray for wisdom, test what you hear, and put God’s truth into practice.

Quote

“One of the most subtle burdens God ever puts on us as saints is this burden of discernment concerning other souls.” - Oswald Chambers

“The LORD says, ‘I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.’” (Psalm 32:8 NLT)

God Instructs Us in Many Ways

God promises to guide, advise, and watch over His children. And He can use many different ways to get our attention.

“For God does speak—now one way, now another—though no one perceives it.” (Job 33:14)

Some Ways God Instructs His Children

Through Scripture

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness…” (2 Tim. 3:16 NIV)

Through His creation

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” (Psalm 19:1 NIV)

Through other believers and their God-given gifts

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us…” (Rom. 12:6 NIV)

Through difficulties

“Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word.” (Psalm 119:67 NIV)

Through the Holy Spirit

“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit… will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” (John 14:26 NIV)

Through circumstances

Jonah ran from God’s instructions, but God used a violent storm to get his attention and redirect his life. (Jonah 1:1-4)

Test Everything by Scripture

God can use people, circumstances, difficulties, and many other things to instruct us, but His guidance will never contradict His Word.

The Bereans eagerly listened to Paul, but they still examined the Scriptures every day to make sure what they were hearing was true.

“…they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” (Acts 17:11 NIV)

Therefore

Stay teachable. Read God’s Word, listen to the Holy Spirit, pay attention to what God may be teaching you through others and your circumstances, and test everything by Scripture.

“Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life.”
(Prov. 19:20 NLT)

Quote

“Being a Christian is more than just an instantaneous conversion—it is a daily process whereby you grow to be more and more like Christ.” — Billy Graham

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Gal. 6:9 NIV)

Don’t Give Up!

Everyone gets weary at times. You can become tired physically, emotionally, and even spiritually. Sometimes you may wonder if your efforts are making any difference at all.

God’s Word says, don’t give up! There is a harvest coming “at the proper time.” You may not see the results yet, but God does.

Come to God and Be Given Rest

Jesus doesn’t tell weary people simply to try harder. He invites them to come to Him.

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matt. 11:28 ESV)

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me… and you will find rest for your souls.”
(Matt. 11:29 ESV)

Therefore

When you are weary, don’t quit. Come to Jesus, rest in Him, and allow Him to renew your strength.

“You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus…” (2 Tim. 2:1 ESV)

“For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish.” (Jer. 31:25 ESV)

“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. (Isa. 40:31 ESV)

Quote

“When you face the perils of weariness, carelessness, and confusion, don’t pray for an easier life. Pray instead to be a stronger man or woman of God.” — Luis Palau

“…While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him…” (Luke 15:20, NIV)

You Can Always Come Home

Jesus told the story of a young man who deliberately made terrible choices. He asked his father for his inheritance, left home, and squandered everything on wild living. When his money and friends were gone, he became so desperate that he took a job feeding pigs and was hungry enough to eat their food.

Then he came to his senses.

He realized he had sinned against God and his father. So he decided to return home, confess what he had done, and ask to become a servant.

But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him, ran to him, embraced him, and welcomed him home. Instead of condemnation, there was forgiveness, restoration, and celebration!

Jesus was showing us the heart of our heavenly Father. Even when we deliberately blow it, we can repent and come home. God is ready to forgive and restore us.

“In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:10)

Therefore

If you have blown it big time, don’t stay in the pigpen! Come home. Confess your sin, turn back to God, and receive His forgiveness.

“As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103:12 ESV)

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 ESV)

Quotes

“God pardons like a mother, who kisses the offense into everlasting forgiveness.” — Henry Ward Beecher

“When we stray from His presence, He longs for you to come back… He throws His arms open, runs toward you, gathers you up, and welcomes you home.” — Charles Stanley

“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
(1 John 4:8 NIV)

What Is Agape Love?

Agape is the word used to describe God’s immeasurable and incomparable love. It is a selfless, sacrificial love that seeks the good of others without demanding anything in return.

God does not merely feel love—God is love. And He demonstrated His love toward us in the greatest possible way: by giving His Son for people who could never earn or deserve such a gift.

The Greatest Kind of Love

The greatest kind of love is agape love—love that expresses itself through action.

God demonstrated this love by sending His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for us and provide the free gift of eternal life to everyone who believes in Him (John 3:16-17).

Jesus then commanded His followers to demonstrate this same kind of love toward one another. In fact, He said our love would be one of the distinguishing marks by which others recognize that we belong to Him.

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
(John 13:34-35 ESV)

Measure Your Love by God’s Definition

It is easy to say, “I love people.” But Scripture gives us a practical way to examine whether our actions match our words.

Ask yourself how your love compares with God’s definition:

• Love is patient and kind

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”
(1 Cor. 13:4 NIV)

Am I patient with difficult people? Do I treat others with kindness even when they do not treat me kindly?

• Love is not self-seeking

“It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”
(1 Cor. 13:5 NIV)

True love is not constantly asking, What am I getting out of this? Instead, it looks for ways to serve, forgive and encourage others.

• Love rejoices with the truth

“Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.”
(1 Cor. 13:6 NIV)

Godly love never celebrates what is wrong. It loves people while remaining faithful to what is true.

• Love always perseveres

“It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
(1 Cor. 13:7 NIV)

Agape love does not disappear when relationships become difficult. It continues to hope, pray, forgive and seek what is best for others.

• Love never fails

“Love never fails.”
(1 Cor. 13:8 NIV)

Many things we value in this life are temporary, but love has eternal significance.

A Love Checkup

First Corinthians 13 gives us a wonderful spiritual checkup. Instead of reading the passage only as a description of love, make it personal.

Am I patient?
Am I kind?
Am I envious or boastful?
Am I easily angered?
Am I keeping a record of someone’s wrongs?
Am I protecting, trusting, hoping and persevering?

None of us will do these things perfectly. That is why we continually need God to work in our hearts. The closer we walk with Him, the more His love should become visible through us.

Therefore

“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
(1 Cor. 13:13 NIV)

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.”
(1 John 4:7 ESV)

“Let all that you do be done in love.”
(1 Cor. 16:14 ESV)

“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8 ESV)

Today, ask God to show you one person who especially needs His love. Then don’t merely tell that person you care—put love into action through kindness, encouragement, forgiveness, generosity or help.

Quote

“In the New Testament, love is more of a verb than a noun. It has more to do with acting than with feeling. The call to love is not so much a call to a certain state of feeling as it is to a quality of action.”
— R. C. Sproul

“God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God.” (Rom. 8:28, NLT)

God Is Already at Work

Sometimes we face problems we cannot solve or futures we cannot predict. But even when life seems confusing, God sees the finished picture. You may not understand what He is doing, but you can trust Him.

Things Will Work Out Because…

● God cares for you: “Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 ESV)

● God hears you: “Before they call I will answer.” (Isa. 65:24)

● God is your Shepherd: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1 ESV)

● God supplies your needs: “My God will supply every need of yours.” (Phil. 4:19 ESV)

● God protects you: “The LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles.” (Psalm 34:6)

● God will care for you throughout life: “I am your God and will take care of you.” (Isa. 46:4 GNT)

Therefore

You do not need to know exactly how everything will work out. You only need to know Who is holding you while it does.

Trust God’s promises, give Him your anxiety, and move forward in faith.

“Fear not, for I am with you.” (Isa. 41:10 ESV)

A Call to Action

Place your greatest concern in God’s hands and pray:

“Lord, I don’t know how this will work out, but I know You care for me. I trust You with this situation and my future.”

Then leave it with Him.

Quote

“’Tis grace has brought me safe thus far and grace will lead me home.” — John Newton

“…The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him…” (2 Chron. 16:9 NLT)

God Is the Source of Your Strength

There are times when you simply feel worn down. Your circumstances may not change immediately, but God can strengthen your heart in the middle of them.

“The way of the Lord is strength for the upright…” (Prov. 10:29)

God does not expect you to face life in your own strength. Look to Him and trust Him to give you what you need.

The Lord Is Your Strength

“The Lord is my Rock and my Fortress and my Deliverer. My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” (Psalm 18:2)

When you feel weak, remember who God is. He is your Rock, Fortress, Deliverer, Shield, and Stronghold. Because He is with you, you do not need to live in fear.

“The Lord is my Light and my Salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1)

Trust Him and He Will Help You

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped…” (Psalm 28:7)

Notice the connection: my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped. Instead of depending entirely on yourself, place your confidence in God.

Therefore

“Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!” (Psalm 27:14)

Whatever you are facing today, don’t give up. Wait on the Lord. Trust Him. Pray. He will give you the strength you need to keep going.

“The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills.” (Hab. 3:19)

Quote

“Trying to do the Lord’s work in your own strength is the most confusing, exhausting, and tedious of all work. But when you are filled with the Holy Spirit, then the ministry of Jesus just flows out of you.” — Corrie Ten Boom

“With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” (Psalm 91:16 NIV)

Getting Older Is a Gift

Growing older brings changes, but it does not make us useless. Every day is a gift from God and another opportunity to love, serve, encourage others, and bear fruit for Him.

As long as God gives you breath, He still has a purpose for your life.

God Will Sustain You

“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” (Isa. 46:4 NIV)

Our strength may change with age, but God’s strength never does. He promises to carry and sustain us throughout our lives.

Still Bearing Fruit

“They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green…” (Psalm 92:14 NIV)

You can still pray, encourage others, share your wisdom, serve, and tell others about Jesus. You are never too old to be useful to God.

Therefore

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” (2 Cor. 4:16 NIV)

Don’t spend your days wishing you were younger. Thank God for today and ask Him how He wants to use you.

“But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength.” (Isa. 40:31 NLT)

Quote

“In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” — Abraham Lincoln