Good Morning.  Here’s Today’s Nugget to chew on:

“Loving God”

1 John 4:20-21 The Message (MSG)

20-21 If anyone boasts, “I love God,” and goes right on hating his brother or sister, thinking nothing of it, he is a liar. If he won’t love the person he can see, how can he love the God he can’t see? The command we have from Christ is blunt: Loving God includes loving people. You’ve got to love both.

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Further Thought:  Let’s understand that our faith (trust, confidence in God) is fueled by our love, according to Galatians 5:6.  So, when we choose not to love, we forfeit the benefits of God.  As Christians, we are charged to love God and our fellow man.  Let’s recognize that it’s not people who are our problem; it’s the devil’s influence that is currently operating in their lives.  As we understand this, we can also demonstrate compassion for our fellow man.  Today’s passage reminds us that we demonstrate our love for God by how we treat our fellow man.  God is calling every believer, according to 1 Timothy 2:1-4, to intercede for their fellow man, which permits Him to get involved in their lives.  I like to say it this way: No love, no faith; no faith, no blessings of God.  So, today, let’s allow the world to see the love of God in action in all we say and do.  Now, let’s reread today’s passage and ask ourselves a question.

1 John 4:20-21 The Message (MSG)

20-21 If anyone boasts, “I love God,” and goes right on hating his brother or sister, thinking nothing of it, he is a liar. If he won’t love the person he can see, how can he love the God he can’t see? The command we have from Christ is blunt: Loving God includes loving people. You’ve got to love both.

Question:  Do I Love God or am I a liar?

Have a great day, and keep chewing on God’s Word.

Additional references:  Romans 10:17; Psalm 115:16; Romans 5:5; Matthew 22:37-40; Matthew 5:44-45; 1 Peter 4:8 and John 3:16

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“2025 Stop & Listen”

Today’s Recommended Reading Titus 1