Read:
So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God. You don’t need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And so, God willing, we will move forward to further understanding.
~Hebrews 6:1-3 (NLT)Dear friends, even though we are talking this way, we really don’t believe it applies to you. We are confident that you are meant for better things, things that come with salvation. For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do. Our great desire is that you will keep on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true.Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God’s promises because of their faith and endurance.
~Hebrews 6:9-12 (NLT)
Consider:
I love studying God’s word! I am delighted each time the Holy Spirit reveals a little nugget of wisdom for me to apply in my life. I also enjoy reading and listening to other people who dig deep into Scripture. They research the Hebrew and Greek origin of words and help put scriptures into context. Many times their efforts illuminate another facet of God’s character for me.
But if we are not careful, the study of scripture becomes its own purpose in our lives. We begin using Bible study simply as a means to increase our own knowledge instead of providing a deeper understanding of God. I am reminded of 1 Corinthians 13:2
If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing.
Love makes all of the difference in the world. As we study God’s word, our desire is for a deeper understanding of God’s great love for us so we can pour out His love to others. In fact, Hebrews 6:12 tells us that loving others keeps us from becoming “spiritually dull and indifferent”. We are most like God when we lavish His love on those around us. I love Paul’s encouragement:
For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do.
~Hebrews 6:10
“As you still do…” Loving others is not something we just check off of our to-do list. Loving others is a lifetime practice. It moves us day by day into a further understanding of God’s true character. Each day God calls us to love others. As we walk through the grocery store, we love others. As we get our children and family ready for the day, we love others. As we deal with that difficult co-worker, we love others. As we sit in rush-hour traffic, we love others. In everything we do, may we each continue loving others.
Breathe:
Breathe in His love…exhale all your struggles…
God lavishes His love on you every time you read His word. Take the love He gives you today and share it with someone else…
Pray:
Dear God, thank you for revealing Yourself to me through Your Holy Word. I don’t ever want to be so immune to who You are that I only seek knowledge of You instead of understanding of Your true character. You are love. I am most like You when I love You and love others. Bless me as I continue loving others…
Today’s post was written by Michele Barnes.
Michele is married to the love of her life, Jeff. She has 3 grown children and 1 sweet grand-baby on the way! Most days you can find Michele laughing with good friends, working with numbers, writing, or working with women. In the evenings, she enjoys spending time in a few creative outlets like creative lettering, drawing, and pottery. She loves snuggling with her dog, Tebow, and reading, but has always hated coffee. Lately, her sweet barista daughter is teaching her to enjoy mocha cappuccino. You can find her most weekends worshiping at our Real Life Clermont campus.