TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us. Ephesians 5:1-2a
Read: Ephesians 4:32, Ephesians 5:1–2
Listen: Ephesians 4 and 5
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Experiencing God’s love changed the Thessalonian Christians radically. Paul thanks God for their labor prompted by love. He goes on to say, “Our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction” (1 Thessalonians 1:5a). They are so profoundly moved by what Jesus has done for them that they want to share it with others.
God’s love motivates us too. He lovingly created us in his image (Genesis 1:26). He values us so highly he died for us (Romans 5:8). He shares eternity with us when we accept the gift of Jesus’s death on the cross for our sins (John 3:16). He adopts us into his family, making us fellow heirs with Jesus (Romans 8:16-17).
We are motivated to love others when we view ourselves as deeply loved by God. Jesus’s disciple John affirms this when he wrote, “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another” (1 John 4 9-10). God’s love gives us the confidence to express love through our words and actions. Like the Thessalonian Christians, we can show God to people who have never experienced his love. Paul says the Lord’s message rang out from them and their faith became known everywhere (1 Thessalonians 1:8).
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
As you write down three things you are thankful for in your 26 DAYS OF GRATITUDE handout, choose at least one way God loves you. Meditate on that—and thank him for his everlasting love.
NEW TESTAMENT READING PLAN
Join us this year as we read through the New Testament.
Today’s reading is 1 Peter 1.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
