Monday, June 25, 2018

Comforting and Loving Others


ay God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 2 Corinthians 1:2-4

Our God is merciful—full of mercy—full of compassion towards us. He takes pity on us—lowly, disobedient creatures that we often are. In spite of our shortcomings, He loves us and shows us His grace—that unmerited favor—undeserved approval. 

Bougainvillea in Israel.
Giving hope--showing God's love and mercy.
Why do we need God’s grace…or His mercy? The world would be a horrible place—full of evil without God, His love, grace and mercy. Love is a basic human necessity. Babies die without love. I’m sure you’ve heard of studies where babies were never touched, although they had basic needs of food and fresh diaper met. They actually died from a lack of human touch—no love. How utterly sad. In that same way I think that humans need a spiritual touch or their spirit turns to darkness…to death. With His grace and mercy God offers us with His love. He fills us up with His love…and as we grow in His love, it overflows from us to others. That’s God’s plan—spread the love around.
But God is so rich in mercy, and He loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, He gave us life when He raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God's grace that you have been saved!) Ephesians 2:4-5.
During His Last Supper with His disciples, Jesus continued to guide and direct them with His teachings.
So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples. John 13:34-35
Paul continued this teaching of “love” as he traveled through the Mediterranean region spreading the good news about Jesus.
For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don't use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. - Galatians 5:13
That same “good news” is available to us…to live and share with others today. Good news—that we can have a relationship with God…and with Jesus. We don’t have to feel isolated and unloved. God is always with us (Deuteronomy 31:8) and in His mercy and grace we can live loving lives forever through Him.
And may the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow, just as our (Paul, Silas and Timothy) love for you overflows. 1 Thessalonians 3:12.
Where do you stand in “relationship” to God and to others? If you think your relationship to God is good…then consider how you share Him with others.
Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. Hebrews 10:24

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus Christ, as we come boldly to the throne of our gracious God, may we receive Your mercy, and find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:16. May Your grace, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of us. 2 Corinthians 13:14. Show us ways to let Your love flow through us to others around us—sharing Your grace and mercy.

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Kings 15; 2 Chronicles 13-16
(Recycled – reused. Still comforting.)
© 2018 Text and photo by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.
Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.
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