Daily Devotions and Bible Readings
Enduring Love
Psalms 118:1-4
Memory Verse: But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13
A few years ago our oldest son decided it was to time to marry. His choice of mates met his mothers approval as well as my own. We had known Rebecca for several years and it was especially satisfying to our hearts to know Jesus is a priority in her life. Even so, how do you love a son-in-law or daughter-in-law like you love your own children? God is teaching me a valuable lesson through this experience of life. I have learned that my ability to love my daughter-in-law hinges on two other loves in my life. First it is the love I have for my son. Because I love him, I can more easily love someone whom he loves. Because he loves Rebecca dearly and demonstrates it in his actions toward her, love and respect naturally grow in my own heart. And then there is this little matter of a granddaughter. Should I say more? Grandkids capture the hearts of the grandparents. How can you not love the parents of your grandchildren?
As you read the first four verses of Psalms 118 you will see the everlasting quality of God’s relationship with his children. The King James translation uses the word mercy while the NASB uses the word love. There is no need for alarm here in some contradictory way. The concept of God’s mercy is bound up in the concept of his love. It is difficult to separate the two. As we have learned this week, the characteristics of love reveal a strong commitment. Romans 5:8 reminds us that while we
were yet sinners Christ died for us. His justice was satisfied in the crucifixion of Christ which demonstrated not only his love, but his mercy as well. He withheld from us what we deserve and in our place poured it out on the Lord Jesus.
If God loves others so much, how can we not love them as well. Just as I love my daughter-in-law first because my son loves her, we must also first love others because God loves them. And then there is that quality of endurance. God’s love is not deterred due to disobedience or rebellion. If it were, according to the Scripture, we would all be the objects of His wrath rather than the recipients of His mercy. How can you love your enemies? How can you love those who despitefully use you? Only by knowing Christ, the power of His resurrection, and the strength of His commitment to love, can we truly love. The Psalmist indicates our need to be thankful for God ‘s enduring love. As you continue in worship this morning, may the assurance of His love overcome your heart to pour out your thanksgiving to Him.
Today will be our final session of Bible study for our teenagers at camp. Pray particularly for their commitments during the invitation time of the worship service tonight.
Reflection
What did God say to me from this Scripture reading, devotional, and or prayer time?
What did I say to God?
