YOUR LOVE FOR HIM
For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead (2 Corinthians 5:14).
The love Paul had for the Lord was the drive behind his overwhelming passion to preach, defend and stand on the truth of the Gospel. Read Galatians 2:11-13 NKJV and see how he defended the truth to Peter. He said, “Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed; for before certain men came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision. And the rest of the Jews also played the hypocrite with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy.”
In the 20th verse, he said, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” What a conviction! It was about his love for the Lord.
Christ’s love for us, which was demonstrated in His vicarious death, must elicit from us such love as Paul writes about here, and as John says in 1 John 4:19 NKJV: “We love Him because He first loved us.” How much do you love Him?
It’s important that every so often, you open your heart to Him in prayer, and tell Him, “Lord Jesus, I love you with all my heart, today and forever; this is what I want to do—loving you and doing your Word.” Your love for Jesus Christ means more to God than anything you could ever give to Him. So, love Him with all your heart and prove it in keeping His Word.
CONFESSION
Lord Jesus, I love you; I really do, with all my heart and forever; this is what I live for—loving you and doing your Word. I’m constrained by my love for you, to preach the Gospel and spread it with urgency around the world. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
John 14:15; 1 John 5:3 AMPC; 1 John 4:19
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 6:30-56 & Leviticus 25
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 17:14-21 & Exodus 5
