Taught By God
Date: June 26, 2023
I use the BLESS method every morning for my devotional.
B - Bible Verse
L - Listen for God's Word and pray
E - Explore the History and meaning
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases
S - Summarize and Share
You can read more about it by going to: What is a Faith Journal?
B - Bible Verse: "Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other." (1 Thessalonians 4:9)
L - Listen for God's Word and pray: Heavenly Father, thank you for teaching us the importance of love for one another. Open our hearts and minds to receive your Word and help us to grow in love. Guide us in understanding how we can practically apply this verse in our lives. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
E - Explore the History and Meaning: The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Thessalonian believers to encourage and instruct them in their faith. In this particular verse, Paul praises the Thessalonians for their love toward one another, recognizing that they have already been taught by God Himself to love. The Thessalonians had received instruction from God Himself on how to love each other, and they were putting it into practice. It highlights the transformative power of God's teaching and His work in our lives, enabling us to love one another in a way that reflects His love for us.
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases: Key Words or Phrases:
Love for one another: This phrase underscores the importance of mutual love among believers. It speaks of a selfless, sacrificial, and genuine love that goes beyond mere sentiment and leads to action.
S - Summarize and Share:
Isn't it incredible how our relationships with our close friends can be filled with so much love and joy? We feel comfortable, cared for, and connected with them. It's almost effortless to show them love because our bond is strong.
I just spent the last week on a business trip with some of my closest business friends. Besides working on our businesses, we shared laughter, meals, and deep conversations. It was a time of building memories and strengthening our friendship. And you know what? It was so easy to love them because God has taught me the importance of loving one another.
But here's the thing, God calls us to extend that same love and care beyond our close circle of friends. He wants us to show love to everyone we encounter, whether they are strangers, acquaintances, or even people we find challenging to love.
When we truly grasp the depth of God's love for us and the significance of His command to love one another, it transforms our perspective. We begin to see every person as someone deserving of love, kindness, and compassion.
Just as God loves us unconditionally, He desires us to love others without reservation. It's not always easy, I know. But by leaning on God's love and allowing it to flow through us, we can extend that same love to everyone we meet.
So, let's challenge ourselves to be intentional about showing love to all people, just as we do with our close friends. Let's embrace opportunities to be kind, to listen, and to offer support. When we do, we become vessels of God's love in the world, shining His light into every corner of our lives.
Let’s carry the lessons we've learned about love into our everyday interactions. Seek to be a source of encouragement, compassion, and understanding with everyone we encounter, whether in our workplace, neighborhood, or community.
And remember, we are not alone in this endeavor. God's love is with us, guiding us and empowering us to love one another just as He loves us. Let's open our hearts to His love and allow it to overflow to those around us.
4 Bible Cross References:
John 13:34-35: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another."
Romans 12:10: "Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves."
1 Peter 1:22: "Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart."
1 John 3:11: "For this is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another."