Yesterday we started thinking about obedience. This is not necessarily a theme that springs to mind when we think of the hearts and flowers sort of love predominant in our culture, but when we look at the Bible we often find that where we find a call to love, we find a call to obedience.
For example, look at Deuteronomy 10:12: And now, Israel (or put in your own name), what does the LORD your God require of you? He requires only that you fear the LORD your God, and live in a way that pleases him, and love him and serve him with all your heart and soul.
Or consider Daniel 9:4: O Lord, you are a great and awesome God! You always fulfill your covenant and keep your promises of unfailing love to those who love you and obey your commands.
There is no doubt that the Bible tells us that part of our loving God is obeying His commandments to us. We cannot pay lip service and profess our devotion to Him without actually devoting our lives, thoughts and actions to Him and following His word.
This is our heart's prayer as we seek to Love 40 days. As Romans 13:8 reminds us: Owe nothing to anyone - except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbour, you will fulfill the requirements of God's law.
As you seek to love others today, remember that this is part of your obedience to God, as you seek to love Him better too.
For the kids:
Read the passages together - use the Deuteronomy verse to challenge the children as to what God wants from them, and include their name so they understand it is for them too. And use the Daniel verse as a prayer to God to help them understand how big God is, reminding them that God always keeps His promises. Spend time together asking God to help you to love and obey, especially if you can think of specific areas where the children find it hard to do this.
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