"My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.
For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things."
1 John 3:18-20
This is an interesting set of verses. First off, we're little children, which I think is a good thing to remember. God doesn't expect us to understand everything or have a perfect mastery over ourselves... he just expects us to try. To work on it. To learn, to grow up and improve instead of wallowing in our inadequacy. :) Let's remember that we are little children, and have some humility, and some eagerness to seek out God and learn from him.
The second part is clear... let's not just say that we love each other, let's act on it, and make it real. That's a lot harder than just saying it, and sometimes it requires knocking down some walls and giving up some attitude. The whole "plays well with others" thing still applies. :) Even harder though because it can't be an act. We can't just be polite and then talk about it when they aren't there. We have to ACTUALLY like them. Wow, right? So, let's start looking for the things to love. :) They are there. Sometimes we just have to get over ourselves a little.
And if we actually, really love people, then we'll know that we are of the truth... on the right track, in tune with God. We'll feel it, that were on the same page.
If we don't feel that now, it doesn't mean we can't get there. We're never stuck with what we are at any point in life. It might be hard to change old habits and attitudes, and addictions, but we *can.* God is greater than our guilt. God is greater than the pain and the hardship and everything that holds us back... and he knows that we can make it, even when we don't. :) Which is one of the reasons that we need him. :)
Today, let's remember to talk to God with humility, as little children, and let's ask him to help us change our hearts. To be more sincere, more loving. To not just say things, but to do them.
And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.
For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things."
1 John 3:18-20
This is an interesting set of verses. First off, we're little children, which I think is a good thing to remember. God doesn't expect us to understand everything or have a perfect mastery over ourselves... he just expects us to try. To work on it. To learn, to grow up and improve instead of wallowing in our inadequacy. :) Let's remember that we are little children, and have some humility, and some eagerness to seek out God and learn from him.
The second part is clear... let's not just say that we love each other, let's act on it, and make it real. That's a lot harder than just saying it, and sometimes it requires knocking down some walls and giving up some attitude. The whole "plays well with others" thing still applies. :) Even harder though because it can't be an act. We can't just be polite and then talk about it when they aren't there. We have to ACTUALLY like them. Wow, right? So, let's start looking for the things to love. :) They are there. Sometimes we just have to get over ourselves a little.
And if we actually, really love people, then we'll know that we are of the truth... on the right track, in tune with God. We'll feel it, that were on the same page.
If we don't feel that now, it doesn't mean we can't get there. We're never stuck with what we are at any point in life. It might be hard to change old habits and attitudes, and addictions, but we *can.* God is greater than our guilt. God is greater than the pain and the hardship and everything that holds us back... and he knows that we can make it, even when we don't. :) Which is one of the reasons that we need him. :)
Today, let's remember to talk to God with humility, as little children, and let's ask him to help us change our hearts. To be more sincere, more loving. To not just say things, but to do them.
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