Love

24
Sep
2024
The Test of Love

The Test of Love

In a world filled with love songs, romantic movies, and countless declarations of affection, it can sometimes be difficult to discern what true love really is. The apostle John provides a powerful test for love.

 but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.

1 John 4:3

True Love

According to John, everyone who is born of God recognizes him, and everyone who loves God recognizes the one who was born of God.

This verse implies that true love is a distinguishing characteristic of those who are born of God.

So, how can we use this verse to test the authenticity of love? Here are a few key points to consider:

  • Love for God: Those who are born of God have a deep and abiding love for God. This love is not merely an emotion; it is a commitment to following God’s ways and seeking to do His will.
  • Love for Others: True love extends beyond our own personal desires and interests. It includes a genuine concern for the well-being of others, especially those who are marginalized or in need.
  • Love that Does Not Sin: The Bible tells us that love does not sin (1 John 3:15). Those who truly love God and others will seek to live a life that is free from sin.

Contrast with Counterfeit Love

In contrast to true love, counterfeit love is characterized by selfishness, jealousy, and a lack of concern for others. It may appear loving on the surface, but it ultimately leads to harm and destruction.

The world is full of counterfeit love, and it can be tempting to be deceived by it. But by applying the test of love found in 1 John 4:3, we can discern between true and false love.

Fruit of the Spirit

Another helpful way to recognize true love is to look for the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruit of the Spirit as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

These qualities are all hallmarks of genuine love.  

Take a moment to examine your own life; are you exhibiting these qualities? Do you have love for God and love for others? If not; perhaps it is time for you to talk to Jesus about these things; and work it out; after all, lack of these qualities in your life indicates that you may not be the Christian person you thought you were!

Upside Down: 15 Week Bible Study

 You Have Been Seated with Christ in the Heavenly Realms

God’s great hope for us is not simply the forgiveness of sins and a place in heaven when we die; but rather, He wants us totally restored, in heart, mind and soul . . . NOW!

As we enter into this amazing adventure with God, we soon recognize that we are a part of something tremendous, something that is beyond our earthy perspective, and we are transported into the heavens with Christ; we live, breathe, and find our being in Him!

This Bible study will help you rediscover how it all began, what happened in the Garden of Eden, who is the Devil really, and what is he up to today.

  • Head into the heavenly realms and discover profound truths concerning your relationship with God, and His incredible plan for you.
  • Search your heart, preparing for a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit. In this study, you will enter into God’s armory, suiting up with the whole armor of God.
  • Discover the Keys to the Kingdom given to you, and learn what they unlock; discovering your true nature in Christ, the authority given, the Sword of the Spirit, the covering armor, and the mission ahead, you will truly learn to pray . . . Upside Down!

Get your copy today! – Pray Upside

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Love
30
Jul
2023
Devoted

Devoted

Romans 12:10 provides us with a profound insight into the way we are called to live as followers of Christ.

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”

This verse encapsulates the essence of Christian community and relationships, emphasizing the importance of love and honor in our interactions with others.

To be devoted to one another in love means to genuinely care for and prioritize the well-being of others. It calls us to go beyond mere surface-level interactions and to invest ourselves in the lives of those around us.

This devotion is rooted in selfless love, a love that seeks the good of others without seeking personal gain or recognition.

Furthermore, the command to honor one another above ourselves challenges our natural inclination toward self-centeredness and encourages us to treat others with respect and dignity. It invites us to value and affirm the worth of every individual, recognizing their inherent worth as children of God.

When we honor others, we demonstrate humility and a willingness to put their needs and interests before our own.

In a world that promotes selfishness and individualism, this verse reminds us of the transformative power of love and honor. It challenges us to cultivate a community marked by selfless devotion and genuine honor, where each person is valued and treated with dignity.

Strive to live out this command; contribute to the building of a community that reflects the love and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Faith, Love
09
Jul
2023
Reconciled

Reconciled

Have you ever longed for reconciliation in a broken relationship?

It’s a deep desire within us to restore harmony and unity when there’s been division and conflict. In his letter to the Corinthians, the apostle Paul writes,

“All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” (2 Corinthians 5:18)

Paul’s words remind us that reconciliation is at the heart of God’s redemptive work. Through Jesus Christ, God took the initiative to bridge the gap between humanity and Himself.

He made a way for us to be reconciled to Him, to experience forgiveness and restoration. And as followers of Christ, we are called to embody this ministry of reconciliation in our own lives.

What does it mean to have a ministry of reconciliation?

It means being agents of healing, forgiveness, and restoration in our relationships. It means extending grace and seeking to mend what is broken.

Just as God reconciled us to Himself, we are called to extend that same grace and reconciliation to others.

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Forgiveness, Love, Trust
23
Jun
2023
Breaking the Rule

Breaking the Rule

In Mark 3:4, we encounter a powerful moment where Jesus challenges the legalistic mindset of the religious leaders. He asks them,

“Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?”

This question cuts to the heart of the matter, revealing that true obedience to God’s commands is not about rigid adherence to rules, but about living a life of love and compassion.

Jesus’ words remind us that God’s intention for us is not to be bound by legalism, but to experience the freedom that comes from a relationship with Him.

Rules and regulations have their place, but they should always be driven by love and the desire to do good. It is not enough to simply follow the letter of the law; we must also consider the spirit behind it.

As followers of Christ, we are called to live lives that reflect His love and compassion. We are called to prioritize acts of kindness, mercy, and healing, even if it means going against societal norms or religious expectations.

Remember, the heart of the gospel is not a list of “do’s and don’ts”, but a transformative relationship with Jesus that empowers us to love and serve others selflessly.

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Faith, Love
02
Jun
2023
Husbands

Husbands

Today’s Bible verse reminds us that relationships are precious and worthy of care and attention.

“Husbands, in the same way, be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect” (1 Peter 3:7)

This verse speaks directly to husbands, but its message extends beyond marital relationships. It reminds us of the importance of treating others with consideration and respect.

We are called to be mindful of the needs and feelings of those we love and to treat them with honor and dignity.

In a world that prioritizes self-interest and personal gain, this verse serves as a gentle reminder to approach our relationships with humility and kindness.

Be considerate and respectful in all your interactions, whether with our spouses, family, friends, or colleagues.

By doing so, we reflect the love and grace of our heavenly Father and contribute to the building of healthy and flourishing relationships.

Take a moment today to reflect on your relationships and how you can cultivate an atmosphere of consideration and respect.

Whether it’s through acts of kindness, listening attentively, or offering encouraging words, seek to honor and uplift those around you.

In doing so, you not only strengthen your relationships but also reflect the character of Christ to a world in desperate need of love and grace.

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Love, Marriage