LOVE!!

This evening, I began my devotional time with Casting Crowns' "East to West."

"Jesus, can You show me just how far the east is from the west. 'Cause I can't bear to see the man I've been rising up in me again. In the arms of Your mercy I find rest. 'Cause You know just how far the east is from the west: from one scarred hand to the other."

Matthew 4:23 is the beginning verse for this evening. "Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people." (NIV)

"To succeed personally, you must help others," notes Maxwell. Jesus spread His message effectively through helping those around Him, when they would let Him. Jesus set an example for all of us to follow.

"Love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 12:31, NIV) That is the second greatest commandment for a reason. We must first love God, then love others. Why? Because God says so. Enough said. He also taught by example there.

"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." (1 Peter 4:8, NIV) How does love cover over a multitude of sins? "God is love." (1 John 4:8, NIV) Jesus, God incarnate, died to save you from your sins. Thus, love, expressed through Christ's sacrifice and the shedding of His blood, covers your sins.

By loving others and acting in love, you add value to them, according to Maxwell.

The reflection question this evening asks, "What can you do to add value to someone you know?"

Love them! And prove it through your actions. Show others the love of Christ.

God bless you!