How can we reflect God's love in our daily interactions with others? Starting Point: Seeing Love Displayed “By this the love of God was revealed among us: God sent His one and only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him.” — 1 John 4:9 • God’s love is not abstract; it took visible, historical shape in Jesus’ incarnation. • Because the Father acted first, our love is always responsive (1 John 4:19). Let That Love Define Us • True love begins with receiving what God has given (John 1:12). • The Holy Spirit pours that love into our hearts, enabling us to give what we’ve received (Romans 5:5). • Identity precedes activity: we love because we are loved. Walking It Out in Daily Life Love becomes concrete when we: • Speak words that build up instead of tear down (Ephesians 4:29). • Serve quietly without spotlight or scorekeeping (Matthew 6:1-4). • Forgive quickly, mirroring Christ’s forgiveness (Ephesians 4:32). • Celebrate truth and reject gossip (1 Corinthians 13:6). • Show patience when schedules fray (1 Corinthians 13:4). Practical Touchstones for Everyday Encounters Check interactions against these Spirit-grown fruits (Galatians 5:22-23): • Love: Is the other person’s good my priority? • Joy: Does my demeanor suggest I’ve been rescued? • Peace: Am I bringing calm into tension? • Patience: Do I allow others room to grow? • Kindness & Goodness: Are my actions beneficial and gentle? • Faithfulness: Do I keep my word, even in small things? • Gentleness: Is my strength under God’s control? • Self-control: Am I ruled by the Spirit, not impulses? Filling Up to Pour Out • Start the day in Scripture; let God speak before anyone else does (Psalm 119:105). • Pray for the people you expect to meet; it softens the heart before the conversation starts (Philippians 1:9-11). • Stay alert to spontaneous nudges—texts, smiles, small helps—to display love in real time (Colossians 3:17). • End each evening by recalling where His love showed through and where repentance is needed (1 John 1:9). |
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