HEART NOTES – 2.10.14

 

Monday! That means it is time for a new HEART NOTES post. Today’s verse is one that challenges us to L-O-V-E.

Did you download and print the February printable? It is all pink and red and Valentine-y. I really like it a lot. Click here to download and print it.

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How well do you love other people in the body of Christ? I’m not talking about loving those who do not know Jesus, although we certainly should show the love of Christ to them in order to win them to Jesus. I want us to sight our spiritual scope in on the BODY OF CHRIST. Brothers and sisters in the faith. Today’s Heart Notes verses should be a wake-up call to ALL of us.

 

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:34-35 (NKJV)

 

Jesus is speaking to those who say they are Christians. You and me, friend. How well do we love those in the family of Christ? Too often it has been said that Christians are the first to shoot their wounded, and too often, it is true.

 Do you gossip about other Christians?

 

Do I criticize the work and ministry of other Christians?

 

When another Christian falls into sin, do we shun them, or do we love them?

 

Do I have compassion on those who are experiencing financial, marital, emotional, physical, or other difficulties, or do I keep them at arms length, so as not to get too involved?

 

When a Christian friend is going through a difficult time, do you show compassion at first, but then grow impatient with them when they don’t ‘move on and get over it’ in your time frame?

 

When was the last time I took food or sent a card to a fellow Christ-follower who was sick or had lost a loved one?

 

Do you speak the truth IN LOVE when another believer is living in contradiction to God’s Word?

 

How often do I take time to pray with another Christian about a situation in their life?

 

Jesus loves us perfectly. He said the world would know that we are Christ followers by the way we treat other Christians. If we treat our own Jesus-family poorly, why in the world would an unbeliever want Jesus?

 

MEDITATION MOMENT: I have not always loved my fellow Christians well. There have been times when my behavior did not evidence the love of Christ that lives in my heart. How about you?  Beginning today, my friends, let’s love other believers well, so those who don’t know Christ will be drawn to Him.