In what ways can we cultivate a deeper love for Christ personally? The Call to Undying Love Ephesians 6:24: “Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.” Paul ends the letter by spotlighting a love that never fades. God’s grace flows toward hearts that treasure Christ continually—so the question becomes: How do we keep that love vibrant? Stoking the Fire of Affection • Remember His initiating love. • 1 John 4:19—“We love because He first loved us.” • Take time daily to rehearse the gospel: His incarnation, cross, and resurrection. Let gratitude fan the flame. • Meditate on His words. • John 15:9—“As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Remain in My love.” • Slow, prayerful reading of the Gospels lets His voice sink deep, turning duty into desire. • Sing truth back to Him. • Colossians 3:16—“Sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” • Meaningful worship—alone or with others—tunes the heart to love. Guarding the Heart from Competing Loves • Identify subtle rivals. • 1 John 2:15 warns against loving the world’s cravings. • Ask: “What steals my attention, energy, and affection from Jesus?” • Practice regular repentance. • Revelation 2:4-5—Ephesus lost its first love; the remedy was to “remember,” “repent,” and “do the works” done at first. • Keep short accounts; turn quickly when love cools. • Set boundaries on media, work, and possessions. • Matthew 6:21—“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” • Consciously redirect time and resources toward Christ-centered pursuits. Harnessing the Power of Grace • Depend on grace, not willpower. • 2 Corinthians 12:9—“My grace is sufficient for you.” • Pray: “Lord, love through me what You command me to love.” • Receive daily cleansing. • Titus 2:11-14 shows grace both saving and training us. • Guilt drives us from Christ; grace draws us nearer. Practicing Obedient Devotion • Obey promptly. • John 14:15—“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” • Quick obedience keeps the relational connection fresh. • Serve others in His name. • Galatians 5:13—“Serve one another in love.” • Loving Christ spills over into tangible acts for people He loves. • Cultivate spiritual disciplines. • Regular prayer, fasting, and Scripture memory nurture intimacy and sharpen affections. Keeping Company with Christ’s People • Prioritize gathered worship. • Hebrews 10:24-25—meet together to “spur one another on toward love.” • Shared adoration multiplies love for the Savior. • Seek transparent friendships. • Proverbs 27:17—“Iron sharpens iron.” • Honest conversations about the state of our hearts help keep love alive. Living in the Hope of His Return • Anticipate seeing Him face-to-face. • 1 Peter 1:8—“Though you do not now see Him, you love Him… and rejoice with an inexpressible and glorious joy.” • Daily remind yourself that undying love will soon become undimmed sight. • Hold loosely to this world. • Philippians 3:20—our citizenship is in heaven. • The more we long for His appearing, the more fervently we love Him now. Grace meets and multiplies undying love. As we remember, repent, and rely on Him, our affection for Christ moves from flicker to flame—and stays burning bright. |
    |