Daily
Devotional

The moonlight bounced off Lake Oswego through the restaurant’s giant windows, while flames silently flickered inside the stone fireplace in a far corner. Our table was laden with fresh cherry blossoms and fine crystal. It was a perfect setting for a spring night. However, the best part of the evening was not the atmosphere; the best part was being with a good friend whom I had not seen for awhile. As we waited for our dinners, we caught up on the things that had been going on in each of our lives. We also shared what God had done for us and for those in our families. I thought about what a joy it is to have a dear Christian friend to fellowship with, and one who cares about me in a loving way.

When we have godly friends whom we treasure, it is not hard to show them love and affection. It just seems to come naturally from our hearts in an endless supply. I wonder, though, do we feel the same love for those who occasionally pull into our favorite parking space at church? Or for one who sits next to us in service singing loudly, but unable to carry a tune? Could we show love to a person who pointed out our faults to us? What if someone commented on how noisy and rowdy our children are at church? Can we love all our church family, regardless of bothersome things some say or do?  

Showing charity in situations like these can be challenging. Though they sound trivial, Satan is always ready to justify feelings of annoyance and frustration which are rooted in pride. The enemy will try to use any slight offense to cause division among us. In order to have victory, we need to spend time in prayer. Through prayer, God can give us love for even those who seem more difficult to love.

The Lord wants us to love one another. Not just the ones who love us back or hold a special place in our hearts, but He wants us to love all our brothers and sisters in the faith. As Christians born of God, love should be the nucleus of our lives because our Father is love. Let us purpose in our hearts to love others with the unconditional love that God has for us. It will not always be easy, but with God’s help, it will always be possible.