Love that turns the cheek

Patience with imperfection

Makes me like Papa

-1 John 4:7-21

How do people know we belong to Christ? Jesus says: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."(John 13:34-35)

Loving people like God loves them is not easy. It's supernatural and glorious. Christ in you is the hope of glory. He changes us from the inside out, but we must submit to Him. God is a gentleman and will never force obedience. That’s the trick with love - you can’t force it. It just has to grow from the seed planted.

God is love. When you became a Christian, a seed of His love was planted in you. But you have a say in how much fruit that seed bears. It will not happen accidentally but on purpose. Purpose to become more like your heavenly Father.

Becoming more like Him means when I hear a bad report about someone my first reaction is to believe the best and not the worst, to give people the benefit of the doubt. Becoming more like Him means I don't keep score in relationships anymore, but I freely forgive with no strings attached. Becoming like Him means I am kind when I would rather be sarcastic. Becoming like Him means I speak in a way that builds the other person rather than tearing them down.

Become more like Abba Father - your heavenly Papa: 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, Matthew 5:43-48