February 15 

 

Love's Hidden Enemy

1 Corinthians 13:9-13

The apostle Paul wrote that he once reasoned like a child, but he had now put childish ways behind him (1 Cor. 13:11). He was referring to the spiritual maturity process, whereby a believer's self-centered ideas are replaced by a healthier perspective.

But maturation is just that—a process—so some immature thinking may linger with the Christian. Based on our childhood experiences, we may wrongly believe . . . 

• Lie #1—God's love for us depends on how good we are. We act as if our behavior can positively or negatively impact His affection for us. But Scripture tells us that the Lord's love is constant; it never varies.

• Lie #2—Acceptance by others has to do with performance, not who we are. With this mindset, we constantly try to please other people. But we can rest in the truth that God has adopted every believer into His family; we are fully accepted.

• Lie #3—Our security rests in social status, material things, or some other worldly prize. This leads to anxiety and manipulation as we attempt to acquire what we lack. The truth is, we'll experience peace when we realize Christ is our true source of security.

These erroneous ideas represent a "hidden enemy of love," because godly affection can't flourish with immature attitudes. We must replace such beliefs with biblical truth. 

Paul calls us to move toward maturity in our thinking and behavior. Clinging to immature ways can interfere with our sense of peace, security, and joy. But knowing the truth about God's acceptance and recognizing that our security is in Him alone will lead to relationships characterized by His love. 

Hi, Prayers are on the way. Hang in there. I know you are also praying. DON'T  GIVE UP !!!  GOD IS FAITHFUL.   Mag     

Hi everyone,

Have you ever felt like you are trying to outrun an avalanche?  Well, I have been.  Maybe I should stop trying.  I am sitting here at 2:30am looking at a pile of bills and receipts.  I haven't touched them in three weeks.  Our account is in the minus and I have less than a quarter tank of gas.  I work at a place that I am not doing that well.  I have to make 100% rate and I'm averaging about 72%.  My hubby got offered a job in NC to be close to his ailing mom and we just moved into a new apartment here.  So, I am just a little frazzled and could use some prayer cover if you have the time.  Thanks!

I find it interesting that when I was married everything that went wrong was my husband's fault.  Now, many years later and after being saved, I want to apologize to him for what I did wrong!  It takes GOD's forgiveness and mercy to show us how to show love to those who have hurt us, and humble ourselves to realize what WE have done wrong.  Thank you JESUS!

It is hard not to keep a running score board of wrongs. I think we all need to work on that one.