Don't Wander Away from Love

 Meditate. Watch out…don’t wander away from love.

I am writing to remind you, dear friends, that we should love one another. This is not a new commandment, but one we have had from the beginning. Love means doing what God has commanded us, and he has commanded us to love one another, just as you heard from the beginning. I say this because many deceivers have gone out into the world. They deny that Jesus Christ came in a real body. Such a person is a deceiver and an antichrist. Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked so hard to achieve. Be diligent so that you receive your full reward. Anyone who wanders away from this teaching has no relationship with God. But anyone who remains in the teaching of Christ has a relationship with both the Father and the Son. 2 John 1:5-9

God wants to have a relationship with you…based on love. His love for you, your love for Him and your love for others. Seems pretty simple doesn’t it—but…and there always is a but…our own selfish desires get in the way of that love. Do selfish desires say or show that we love ourselves? Not necessarily. Think about it. If we are to love others as ourselves, we have to love ourselves. If someone has low self-esteem, then they won’t be fully loving themselves even if they are fulfilling their own selfish desires. Love things…or love God? Love things…or show some respect for yourself and others? A couple of times Jesus was asked what is the most important commandment.

"Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?" Jesus replied, "'You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments." Matthew 22:36-40

Over and over we are taught to love God, ourselves and others. Love is an action verb. Just saying it is important, but showing it by spending time with others…getting to know what is important to them…is essential to any relationship. Find out what their 'love language" is by reading Gary Chapman's book "The 5 Love Languages." I'm sure the Lord treasures all five types of love languages. Certainly "time." What kind of time are you spending with the Lord…Father and Son…today? Have you learned anything new about them…about yourself…and your relationship with them? Don't be deceived or wander away from their love. 

Mount Zion - Temple Mount
Jerusalem, Israel
Note the Eastern Gate

Prayer ~ Lord God…Who may climb the Your mountain, LORD? Who may stand in Your holy place? Only those whose hands and hearts are pure, who do not worship idols and never tell lies. They will receive the LORD's blessing and have a right relationship with You, God, since You are their savior. Such people may seek you and worship in your presence, O God of Jacob. From Psalm 24:3-6

Verse of Salvation ~ But LORD, be merciful to us, for we have waited for you. Be our strong arm each day and our salvation in times of trouble. Isaiah 33:2

Think friendship, not hostility

Today is the First Sunday of Advent. What will you do to prepare for the celebration of Jesus' birth...of God's gift to mankind...the opportunity for Salvation?

©2021 Text, photos and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.
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Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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