Love

If we do not show love to one another, the world has a right to question whether Christianity is true.
— Francis A. Schaeffer

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it:
Love your neighbor as yourself.
— Matthew 22:37-39

Complete this sentence: My greatest aim in life is....

How you respond determines the guiding principle of your life.

God's greatest aim for your life and ministry is love. Without love, all that you say is ineffective, all that you know is incomplete, all that you believe is insufficient, all that you give is inadequate, and all that you accomplish is insignificant.

LIFE MINUS LOVE = NOTHING

Christianity is not a religion of beliefs — it is a lifestyle of love. The sign of a true Christian is not a crucifix, a fish, or a bumper sticker. The sign of a true Christian is their love for God and for His people. Galatians 5:6 says, "The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love."

An enemy of love is "busyness." Clear the clutter of your schedule and let love be the order of the day. More than video games, trampolines, and the latest novelty toy, children need love. More than a new pair of shoes or a new dress, wives need love. More than a new set of golf clubs or a fishing pole, husbands need love.

For Christians, love is not an option, it is a commandment — sometimes difficult to obey. But God did not leave you helpless, "...because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost" (Romans 5:5 KJV). Draw upon God's love for you to love the "unlovable."

Taken from The Minister's Little Devotional Book.
Copyright © 1997 by H.B. London Jr. and Stan Toler.
Used by permission of RiverOak Publishing, Tulsa, Okla.
All rights reserved.