2003-04-04 - Things God Loves

Encore 1997-11-28

We can be sure that He loves us, because He sent His own Son to redeem us!

(John 3:16 NKJV) For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

But there are also certain qualities of our hearts and lives, attitudes - certain things He loves in us, behaviors He loves:

God loves righteousness.

(Psa 11:7 NKJV) For the LORD is righteous, He loves righteousness; His countenance beholds the upright.

(Phil 1:8 NKJV) For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ.

He also loves justice. Are we seeking justice? Are we trying to make things better for those who are unjustly treated - in homes, at work, in school, in our communities?

(Psa 33:5 NKJV) He loves righteousness and justice; The earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.

God loves it when we are merciful to our fellowman. Are we really being merciful, or are we too hasty to strike back at someone who hurts us? Do we hold onto grudges, when we certainly wouldn't want someone doing that to us?

(Mat 12:7 NKJV) But if you had known what this means, 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the guiltless.

And God loves it when we give from the heart. Are we generous givers? Or do we complain after we give our time, our money, our effort?

(2 Cor 9:7 NKJV) So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.

Dear Father, please help us love what You love, and hate what You hate. But help us to remember, as the cliché goes, to love the sinner but hate the sin. In Jesus' name, amen.

Jan

 jan@cfdevotionals.org
http://www.cfdevotionals.org