How can we ensure our love for the Lord is evident daily? Love That Cannot Be Hidden 1 Corinthians 16:22: “If anyone does not love the Lord, let him be under a curse. Maranatha!” Paul ends his letter with a jolt, reminding believers that genuine love for Jesus is not optional—it is the unmistakable mark of a redeemed heart. What Daily Love Looks Like • Wholehearted devotion—Deuteronomy 6:5; Mark 12:30 • Glad obedience—John 14:15; 1 John 5:3 • Joyful thanksgiving—Colossians 3:17; Psalm 18:1 • Eager service—Romans 12:11; Galatians 5:6 • Continual expectancy—Titus 2:13 (“Maranatha!”) Habits That Keep Affection Warm • Begin each morning with spoken praise from Psalm 63:1; set your heart before any screen or task. • Read a portion of Scripture aloud, listening for a command to obey that day. • Memorize and repeat short verses throughout work or study breaks (Psalm 119:11). • Turn ordinary chores into worship by thanking Him by name for specific blessings. • End the day reviewing where His grace was evident; note one act of obedience you can continue tomorrow. Guarding Against Indifference • Watch for early signs of drift—Revelation 2:4-5 calls believers back to “first love.” • Confess immediately when time in the Word or prayer is crowded out; lingering neglect dulls affection. • Limit influences that cool zeal (Proverbs 4:23); replace them with music, books, and conversations that stir devotion. Love Expressed in Community • Hebrews 10:24-25 urges believers to “spur one another on to love and good deeds.” Regular fellowship fans the flame. • Serve alongside others; shared ministry deepens affection for the Lord who empowers every task (1 Peter 4:11). Living the Maranatha Mindset “Maranatha” (“Come, O Lord”) in 1 Corinthians 16:22 keeps love urgent. Looking for His return shapes priorities: • We hold loosely to possessions. • We forgive quickly (Ephesians 4:32). • We proclaim the gospel freely (2 Corinthians 5:14). Putting It All Together When love for Christ fills the heart, it spills into speech, choices, and attitudes. By anchoring each day in Scripture, practicing grateful obedience, guarding against drift, and living in hopeful expectation of His return, believers ensure their love for the Lord remains vivid and unmistakable to everyone around them. |
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