Brothers and Sisters,

 

As believers we sometimes don't speak enough on the process

of falling in love with Christ that takes place throughout our

journey. However, in John 21:15-19 Jesus questions Peter three

times regarding if he "loves" him or not. But ask yourself what

does being in love with God look like? Is it something you find

yourself simply saying with your mouth or are your actions

aligning with your words during this journey?

 

God tells us very clearly throughout the bible “if we love him then we'll keep his commandments.” This doesn't only apply to the commandments that we like or are easier for us to follow, but it means sticking to His word wholeheartedly. Demonstrating true discipleship with God, we must be willing and striving to exemplify agape love to Him daily. Agape love is known as the universal, selfless love (highest form of love) which requires faithfulness, commitment, and sacrifice without expecting anything in return. You cannot skip steps throughout your journey or put conditions on your love for God and expect Him not to know that you cheated in the process. You must be willing to go through the healing and restoration needed if you desire to reach the level of empowerment.

 

Would you willingly take an exam with the intention of passing without even attempting to study for it? NO! So why would you treat your relationship with Christ like it? A part of our love for God means we must be prepared to walk in accountability and humbleness. Therefore, we do not get to determine when we feel like we've loved Him enough or have done everything right in His eyes. Sometimes we must fall and accept that we fell so that God to re-induct us in His office of discipleship. If you intend to compromise or make excuses when things get hard or fall short, how can you expect God to put His people in your hands? The answer is simple, He WON'T. 

 

Fellow brothers and sisters want to remind you that you should love yourself enough to know that you must love Christ even more. There's no love that should ever overshadow your love for Him and your desire to increase in spirit and faithfulness. This means that nurturing your relationship with Christ must be a priority, and you must determine to learn your new identity in Christ, value your strengths and recognize that trials are not punishments; buy rather lessons to assist you in growing and preparing you for your new level of empowerment.

 

If you are to reach maturity in Christ, you must be equipped to follow 1 Corinthians 13:11 to your everyday life. "When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me." So don't miss your opportunity for re-induction because you refuse to grow in love. 

 

Respectfully Submitted,

Sis. Niya J. Montgomery