Jesus makes this astounding statement in Matthew 5:44–45: “I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you . . . that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.” God expects you to love the unloving, just as He loved you when you were lost in sin. God’s love is never deserved—it simply is.
It is natural for you to expect that when you are nice to others, they will return the kindness, right? Wrong! And you probably have the scars to prove it. Yet Jesus said, without exception, “Love one another; as I have loved you.”
Love is the sacrifice of self for the sake of your family and even your enemies.
RESPONDLord, it is hard to care about those who don’t care in return. But with Your help and by Your grace, I will look at each of these people through Your eyes of love—Your unconditional love. Amen.
RENEWING RESOURCESA Woman After God’s Own Heart Bible – this brand new resource is filled with daily devotions, wisdom articles, biographies, and more to draw you to God’s Word and give you hope, wisdom, and understanding.
REFLECT“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” (John 13:34)
Is my heart hard toward a friend or family member? I’ll begin to love them by praying for them right now.
REMEMBERComments will be approved before showing up.
Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
by Elizabeth George July 23, 2024
My girls are 13 months apart, which means that during their early years, I often felt like I had twins. I had to really be on my toes-there was little-or-no catching of mistakes I made on the older child so that they wouldn’t be repeated with the younger one. What I was—or wasn’t—doing to love and raise my children was being done to both of them at the same time.
by Elizabeth George July 09, 2024
Most of us have no problem memorizing the lyrics to our favorite songs. Sometimes we know them so well, or they're so deeply ingrained in our minds, that they get stuck in our heads. The moment certain songs come on you'll see people rocking in the car or singing along.
by Elizabeth George June 25, 2024