Unconditional Love

Bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. - 1 Corinthians 13:7

This from Henry Blackaby's Day by Day:

Love has no limits. Love never says, “You’ve gone too far. I can’t love you now.” “All things” means everything is included. Christlike love leaves no doubt in the mind of another that you will continue to love steadfastly. Do those close to you know that they can fail and do foolish things, yet you will not falter in your love for them? Are others assured that, even when they hurt you, you still love them, holding nothing against them?

Love assumes the best about others. If someone inadvertently offends you, you choose to believe the offense was unintentional. If someone seeks to harm you, you “bear all things,” forgiving unconditionally. If a positive light can be shed on a difficult encounter, you grasp it. If someone continually provokes you, you “endure all things.” You never lose hope in the ones you love. You practice the same unconditional love toward others that Christ gives to you.

Paul said that he was nothing if he had the faith to move mountains, the tongue of an angel, and the gift of prophecy to understand all mysteries, yet did not have God’s love. It is unacceptable to say, “Well, I just can’t love people that way!” When God loves people through you, this is the only kind of love He has! Read 1 Corinthians 13 with gratitude that God has already expressed this complete and selfless love to you. Pray and ask Him to express it through you now, to others.

Much of the ministry of Dr. Henry T. Blackaby flourished with the publication of his book Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God. Seeking God in the matter which Blackaby spells out in his book has helped propel life-changing events for a countless number of people.

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Real Love

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. - 1 Corinthians 13:4-5

This from Phil Ware's Heartlight devotionals:

Love does not focus on me, but on others. Each of these qualities of love is based upon an affectionate, compassionate, and forgiving attitude that regards others of value and not just self. No wonder the old saying goes "The middle of sIn is a big I!"

My prayer:

Dear Lord, please teach us how to love like you do. We often feel so weak and inadequate. We hurt when we think others might not be showing love to us, but what really matters is our love for them and others.

Please help us develop a love relationship with you, Lord, so that we may show that love to others. We thank you for the love you've shown us in so many ways, but mainly in the way of giving us your son to die on the cross for us. It is a love we can not understand, but must accept to receive an eternal life with you. Thank you for your sacrificial love. In Jesus name...Amen.


Phil Ware is the senior minister at Southern Hills Church of Christ in Abilene, Texas. He also teaches bible courses at Abilene Christian University. What Jesus Did is a one-year devotional guide to the Gospel of John, using one short passage each day and following the Gospel in consecutive order. Each passage is followed by a reflection and a prayer. The reflection opens up the day's Scripture and shows how it challenges us to live for Jesus.

It All Starts With God

For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible, ...everything got started in Him and finds its purpose in Him. - Colossians 1:16 MSG

This from Rick Warren's The Purpose-Driven Life Journal:

Point to Ponder: It's not about me.

Question to Consider: How can I remind myself today that life is really about living for God, not myself?

The purpose of your life is far greater than your own personal fulfillment, your peace of mind, or even your happiness. It's far greater than your family, your career, or even your wildest dreams and ambitions.

There is an alternative to speculation about the meaning and purpose of life. It's revelation. We can turn to what God has revealed about life in his Word. The easiest way to discover the purpose of an invention is to ask the creator of it. The same is true for discovering your life's purpose: ask God.

God's wisdom...goes deep into the interior of his purposes. It's not the latest message, but more like the oldest--what God determined as the way to bring out his best in us. - 1 Corinthians 2:7 MSG

The journal is the perfect companion to The Purpose Driven® Life! Features include scriptures and quotes by Rick Warren, taken from the bestselling book, plus space to record reflections, prayers, and goals while seeking Gods plans for your life.