May 28: Really Love Them
(Begin with 1-2 minutes of silence)
In Romans 12:9 we read, Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. This verse ought to make each of us pause and reflect, prayerfully considering how we may be pretending to love others instead of really loving them.
The NLT Life Application Study Bible notes, “Most of us have learned how to be courteous to others—how to speak kindly, avoid hurting their feelings, and appear to take an interest in them. We may even be skilled in pretending to show compassion when we hear of others’ needs, or to become indignant when we learn of injustice. But God calls us to real and genuine love that goes far beyond being hypocritical and polite. Genuine love requires concentration and effort. It means helping others become better people. It demands our time, money, and personal involvement. No individual has the capacity to express love to a whole community, but the body of Christ in your town does. Look for people who need your love, and look for ways you and your fellow believers can love your community for Christ.”
READING & JOURNALING:
Is there anybody in your life you may be pretending to love instead of really loving them?
Think (and pray) about one way you can really love them today, and then do it.
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, I confess I don’t like to think about the likelihood that I pretend to love others instead of really loving them. Help me to not only be polite, but to use real concentration, prayer, effort, time, and money to really love others in the way You have loved me. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
(End with 1-2 minutes of silence)
F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)
The F260 is a Scripture Reading Plan designed to read through the foundational passages of the Bible through a year (September 2019 – August 2020). It is a separate reading from the daily devotional but is included for those who would like to engage with the Scriptures on a deeper level throughout the year.
Read: Matthew 27:32-66 & Luke 23:26-56
Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.
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