Let’s continue with our search for true love.

In Matthew 19:18-19, we are instructed to “love your neighbor as yourself.” (NIV)

Please note that in God’s Kingdom you are to have a proper love and respect for God’s creation (yourself) because you are made in His image.  God so loved the world… (John 3:16) – Yes, He loved that world even in their sin and iniquity so much that HE GAVE…” The God-kind of love has to give. Our Heavenly Father loved so intensely that He had to give His very best, His only Son.  As the Lord’s love flows through us and out to others we will be giving our best. And yes, sometimes, it will be sacrificially.

Romans 12:21—“Be not overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” KJV

Overcome evil with good – what better good is there greater than God’s love??  What evil in your life needs overcoming? Love is the answer – not the world’s idea of love but the GOD-KIND OF LOVE.

As you receive more of God’s amazing love for you, it truly imparts a sense of wellbeing and strength.  Your love for God and desire to please Him and not grieve the Holy Spirit, will motive you to overcome evil temptations, thoughts, and deeds. When you realize that you are dearly loved by God (Who is love) then you have peace, assurance and confidence from within.

Draw close to the Lord and you will experience a greater degree of His marvelous love. As you receive this love and allow it do a mighty work in your heart, it will be passed on to others. People know if you care.  They can sense the love of God even though they may not specifically understand it.  Determine to walk in the love of God in every situation. If you fall short, then repent, get right back up, and go on.

Recently the Lord quickened me to start listening to an audio version of the Word of God on a daily basis while commuting to and from work and running errands.  I had a desire to soak in the Word and gain more understanding.  After only a few days of listening, I began to notice a change.

I’m privileged to work at Morningside in the Prayer Center and each day we receive many requests for prayer.  We always try to pray passionately for each person calling, however, sometimes we get weary and it seems routine at times.  God forgive us!  After listening to the Bible for a few days, I noticed that while praying for callers, the prayers were more intense and passionate.

Another week passed with consistently hearing the Word.  Soon I sensed a deeper realm with God.  Compassion for others was increasing and that is where I am at this time.  More of God’s love and concern for others is increasing.

Friend, I’m sharing this with you, not to boast on myself, but rather, to boast on the power of God’s Word.  The Word of God is God-breathed.  Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word.  Think of it, as we study the Word, speak the Word and listen to the Word, our faith increases.

Remember faith works by love.

Galatians 5:6 – “For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.”  KJV

Could it be that as our faith increases so does our love??  Or, do we need love first?  Without love, our faith does not work.  Love has to be the foundation before faith will work.  Perhaps this is why so many of us have been frustrated for years while practicing, declaring and decreeing God’s Word, yet not receiving the results promised.  Are we doing all of this with an attitude of love?  Again, we have come full circle back to receiving the love of God.

Only God’s love can overcome evil.  Christ’s love at Calvary won the victory over evil.  Christ’s love for humanity drove Him to the cross in order to reconcile us to God.  He not only took our sins, but scripture says He became sin, took our place and paid the price being the pure sacrifice.

True love is only found by having a relationship with the Lord.  This is the love that overcomes evil. It takes true love, God’s love for your faith to work and then your faith overcomes evil.

1 John 5:4-5 – “for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.”

1 John 5:4 – “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.”  {which we have learned works by love).  KJV

“God loves you, He really does!” (Quoting Pastor Jim Bakker)