What is Keeping you from knowing you are loved or from loving others?
I hope you have taken the time to not only read the articles but also to ponder the love of God which is to be “shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit”. (Romans 5:5) That’s it, isn’t it? The love we are to broadcast or “shed abroad” comes from within us, but that love is not native to us. The love we are to give away is gifted to us by God’s Holy Spirt. The fruit of the Spirit is love. (Galatians 5:22-23) Real love is from God Who IS love. He illustrated love so clearly by our Savior Jesus Christ, Who loves beyond our realm of understanding as He lays down His life, not just for His friends, but even while we were enemies. His loving care is evident daily.
I will follow the 5 questions asked over the last few weeks with a couple of application questions. Do you know that I am not wanting you to feel “preached at” but to feel respected, valued, and encouraged, as you develop a growing faith in Jesus. Whatever your level of experiencing God’s love, there is so much more love to be known and enjoyed.
Questions we’ve covered in the 52 Week Plan since June 8:
1. Do you know how much God loves you? June 8
2. Do you love Him? June 15
3. Do you love others? June 22
4. Do you love yourself? June 29
5. (Today’s article)-Do you know what is hindering your being able to answer yes to these questions? July 6
Two more questions for your consideration that come from Hebrews 12:1-2:
1. Are you carrying in your heart unresolved pain from being unloved, unknown, deeply hurt, abandoned, abused, or simply ignored by those who could / should have loved you?
2. Are you carrying unresolved guilt in your heart from choices you made, things you neglected to do, or actions you engaged that hurt others and dishonored God?
If you answered “yes” to either of these, I offer these 4 principles to clear the heart of these poisons and give space for the Holy Spirit of God. He will take over your heart in deeper ways as He produces love and other fruit to empower you to love God, love others, and love self. God wants us to be free so we can find where we can give love away in service to Jesus and others. 2 Corinthians 5:14 – “The love of Christ compels us…”; John 13:35 – “they will know we are His disciples by the way we love each other.”
_________________________________________________________________________
Would you take a few minutes to get into the presence of God to privately, personally experience these principles from His word to be better prepared to love and be loved?
Principle #1: You are not built to be alone (unloved, unknown). Genesis 2:18, John 3:16, John 13:34-35
Principle #2: You can empty the pain of the past and the guilt that remains unresolved. Hebrews 12:1-2 (lay aside every weight and the sin that entangles you); I John 1:9 – Confess your sin to God and others to whom He may lead you to address; Matthew 5:4 – Mourn your pain before God and appropriate others to receive God’s comfort.
Principle #3: You can respond in Christ-like faith based on your new freedom; Forgive those who hurt you or left you alone/lonely. (Ephesians 4:31-32); Seek forgiveness from those you have hurt and/or make restitution where possible. (James 5:16)
Principle #4: Stay free from the past and from fear of the future by praying for those who hurt you and for those you have hurt and find ways to be a blessing to them. Bless those whom you have hurt by discovering ways to stop hurting them or others. When/if you do experience failures or pain from others, be quick to mourn the pain to the Father and to forgive. (Romans 12:14-16) Be quick to confess sin and accept God’s forgiveness and ask forgiveness from others you hurt.