Today’s Scripture: 1 John 4:19
We love Him because He first loved us.
A husband and wife did not really love each other. The man was demanding, so much so that he prepared a list of rules and regulations for his wife to follow. He insisted that she read them over every day and obeyed them to the letter. Among other things, his “do’s and don’ts” indicated such details as what time she had to get up in the morning, when his breakfast should be served, and how the housework should be done. After several long years, the husband died. As time passed, the woman fell in love with another man, one who dearly loved her. Soon they were married. The new husband did everything he could to make his wife happy, continually affirming her and showering her with tokens of his appreciation. One day as she was doing her normal daily chores, she found tucked away in a drawer the list of commands her first husband had drawn up for her. As she looked it over, it dawned on her that even though her present husband had not given her any kind of list, she was doing everything her first husband’s list required and more. She then realised she was so devoted to her new husband she would willingly do anything to please him. Love got much more than obligation could ever dream of. This is the kind of response God’s grace draws from us.
A fervent desire to please God is what follows an understanding of the grace bestowed upon us in Christ Jesus. We love Him because He first loved us, and loved us in spite of how much we had offended Him. And if we love Him, we will keep His commandments. Apostle Paul, after a lengthy exposition on the grace of God to the Roman church, identifies the continued sacrifice of our carnal desires as a reasonable response to receiving the grace of God (Romans 12:1-2).
Take some time off today to make an inventory of God’s grace toward you, and let it inspire a renewed commitment to please Him. We cannot truly embrace the grace of God and continue wilfully in sin. Grace facilitated our adoption as sons; therefore, we obey, not under compulsion or under the law, but because it is in the nature of sons to imitate their fathers. Today, determine to respond adequately to the grace that has been shown you. God will multiply His grace to you, in Jesus’ name.
Memorise & Meditate:
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:1-2
Prayer/Confession:
Thank You, Father, for Your grace and for first loving me. I yield myself to do Your will today, and always. Help me, Lord, in Jesus’ name.
