Monday, December 11
Isaiah 28:14-29, 1 John 5:1-21, 2 John 1-13, 3 John 1-15
1, 2, and 3 John mention the word “love” many times and instruct us to love one another (2 John 1:5) and walk in love (2 John 1:6). Love is an action. I like how the Amplified version explains this in I John 3:18. Little children, let us not love [merely in theory] with word or with tongue [giving lip service to compassion], but in action and in truth [in practice and in sincerity, because practical acts of love are more than words]
My women’s Bible study has been studying these books of John, so I have been focused on and quite convicted of this concept of walking in love. We considered a specific definition of love for others as “an intelligent, purposeful attitude of esteem and devotion; a selfless, purposeful, outgoing attitude that desires to do good to others.”
During this season of Advent (and throughout the year), how can each of us look for more opportunities to genuinely love people like this? When we think of our relationships, does any person come to mind whom we could love with a more “intelligent, purposeful attitude of esteem and devotion?” I can certainly think of many.
How about people we do not know? Can we have a more “selfless, purposeful attitude, desiring to do good” toward them? Even the smallest act of kindness and love can make an impact. The saying, “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle” is so applicable in today’s world. It could be as simple as giving a compliment, opening the door for someone, engaging in conversation, letting someone go in front of you in line, etc. Everywhere we go, there is someone who needs Jesus’ love; but it’s so easy to
focus on ourselves instead of showing His love.
We have no greater example of genuine, purposeful love than Jesus coming to this world at Christmas. His death on the cross demonstrated His sacrificial, unconditional love for us. Yet He also laid down His life daily for others during His more than thirty years on earth—day in and day out, showing us the perfect way to walk in love. May being filled with His love encourage us to love one another more purposefully this season.
JENIFER PRIES
Athletics, CUAA
About this series
“God With Us: the uncommon advent of our Savior” is a sampling of biblical meditations composed by members of the CUWAA community. It is our prayer that you will take time during the Advent season to read and reflect upon God’s Word and await the coming of Jesus with newfound enthusiasm and anticipation through the Holy Spirit.