Sunday, 23 November 2008 00:00  |  Written by Steve Hall [a] and posted in Love

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Hebrews 10:24

Whenever I see "spur" I think of the sharp spiked wheel on the heel of a horse rider’s boot – the kind which cowboys wear – that’s used to urge the horse on.

I wonder if Paul had in mind (not cowboys obviously!), but this idea of, shall we say, a kick up the behind? Do you need this kind of encouragement this week to put energy into loving well and doing good deeds?

Saturday, 22 November 2008 00:00  |  Written by Steve Hall [a] and posted in Love

Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. 1 Corinthians 14:1

How much prophecy do you hear in your Church or your youth group? Prophecy has not always been part of my Christian experience and I’ve been part of church groups where “we’re not into that kind of thing.” But as I read Paul, prophecy seems vitally important to following the way of love (or the way of Jesus). Do you desire this gift? Why do you think it’s important you do?

Friday, 21 November 2008 00:00  |  Written by Steve Hall [a] and posted in Love

This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. 1 John 5:2-3

I don’t know about you, but encountering the word “commands” in the same sentence as love used to seem odd. Marriage has changed this opinion, as one of the ways I demonstrate love to my wife is by keeping my wedding vows. It’s a bit like this with God; his commands are like wedding vows between us and him. We love God by keeping these commands.

Thursday, 20 November 2008 00:00  |  Written by Steve Hall [a] and posted in Love

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18

Many of us are afraid of intimacy (into-me-see); we think if others see us the way we really are they won’t love us. Others of us are afraid of being hurt or rejected or betrayed again, so we setup barriers to prevent that happening. In both examples fear not only restricts how well we love, it also affects how much love we receive. Invite God’s perfect love to drive out the fear in you.

Wednesday, 19 November 2008 00:00  |  Written by Steve Hall [a] and posted in Love

For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 2 Corinthians 5:14

If people had asked Paul, “Why do you do what you do? Why do endure the suffering, the torture and the imprisonment?” I think he would have replied, “I have to. It’s like I can’t do anything else. The love Jesus has for me compels me. The love I receive from him is so great that I cannot keep it locked up inside of me – I have to share it with others.”

Tuesday, 18 November 2008 00:00  |  Written by Steve Hall [a] and posted in Love

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8

When someone wrongs you it is easy to become angry, indignant, or even hateful. However, if we love each other deeply we instead respond by choosing forgiveness, mercy and reconciliation. Love causes us to move on from lingering on hate-filled thoughts of the wrong done to us into restored relationship. It is in this way that love covers over a multitude of sins. Choose to let love move you on today.