Word for the day: “Leadership and life-winning insights.”
I John 3:8b (NKJV) For this purpose, the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.
BELOVED LEADERS,
Loving yourself and each other is the second of the greatest commandments of Jesus. Consider loving your family is your first and essential ministry. For none of us are to live our lives as lone rangers, you were not created to live in isolation, but we are encouraged to love each other, the way the Lord loves us. But have you noticed how difficult it is to love some of the people you are connected to? Maybe you’ve been badly hurt by a parent, a spouse, a sibling, or even your child.
Perhaps it’s been years or months since you’ve last spoken to this person. It sure seems that it would be a lot easier just forever to break off ties with those family members who have caused us so much hurt. Here are 4 insights to help you move from hurt to healing. I encourage you to share today's message with your family and friends.
1. LOVE YOURSELF PASSAGE MARK 12:31:
“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than.”
We must first love God and then ourselves before we can love our family, neighbor, or anyone else. This is where healing begins with you and then outward toward others.
Loving oneself is an expression of God’s love embraced in our lives. Jesus is connecting God's vertical love with the horizontal love of others.
2. FAMILY MEMBER PASSAGE JOHN 13:34:
“I give you a new command: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
Jesus gives a command to love our family, just as He has loved us in an unconditional manner. This is the ability to seek the best interest of others as a self-less action.
This is profoundly connected to God, loving others, especially those that are challenging in our lives.
3. CONFLICT PASSAGE LUKE 6:27-28:
“But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you”.
Some conflicts are not to be handled with conflict; you don't have to be right all the time. Some conflicts are best handled by the power of love, give it a try!
4. CONFLICT RESOLUTION PASSAGE I PETER 4:8:
“Above all things, have fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins.”
Now, love is not easy. It is hard work. It takes putting ourselves aside and admitting that we are weak and need a Savior.
God has revealed that love is one of his biggest weapons. Jesus saved us all with one simple act. Love.
Jesus conquered sin and death for us all. When we use this knowledge, we can conquer anything. We just must learn how.
POINT TO PONDER
We must choose and follow love. It’s the only way to win. It’s the only way to defeat the enemy. Every time we choose unity over separation, love wins. I want the Lord to win in my life; it’s awesome.
Every time we lay ourselves down and choose Christ, the enemy reels back in, and it causes confusion. It makes me happy to know that every time we do this one simple act of love, it destroys the works of the enemy.
Special thanks!
Chief Encouragement Officer (CEO) James Baker, Jr. and our leadership team are especially thankful for those of you who provided financial donations and support in June 2024 by partnering with us in efforts to advance the kingdom of God in this 21st century season: Special thanks to Mr. and Mrs. David and Annette Straker, Mr. Kenneth Washington, Ms. Itholear Abbott, Mrs. Barbara Mason, Ms. Jeanette Grant, Ms. Cynthia Artis-Waiters, Ms. Michelle Winder Branch, Ms. Brenda Spoach, Ms. Angie Scraders-Murphy, Mr. Calvin Jackson, Mr. William Jones, Mr. William Buchanan, Ms. Judith Battle, Mr. William Wilson, Mrs. Angela Harrison, Ms. Gertrude Scott.
Grace and Truth Leadership. Why don’t you take the opportunity to write to us on our blog and let us know how we are doing in serving you.
We are a faith-based, donor-supported ministry. If you have been touched by these daily devotionals and would like to make a monthly pledge or a special gift of any amount, please use the donate link below to give as the Lord leads.
Follow me on Twitter @James Baker_jr as I endeavor to encourage and empower leaders of today and tomorrow!
Kingdom Blessings,