Show gratitude to God by loving

Hebrews 13:1 Let love of the brethren continue. Today we begin the last chapter and the practical ways we can offer acceptable service with reverence and awe. You’ll notice that all of the recommendations by the author fall under the category of showing brotherly love. We see what living to love with Jesus entails. The first verse of this chapter could be an overall introduction to the following verses because they all are expressions of love for brothers and sisters in Christ. The author acknowledged back in 6:10 when he wrote, “For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for His name in serving the saints, as you still do.” So it makes sense that at this point he would encourage them to continue loving one another. In 10:24 he had admonished them to consider how to stimulate one another to love and good works. In these verses, he made love practical. Gratitude isn’t just a feeling; it’s expressed in acts of service to everyone else who has received an unshakable kingdom.  Today, this scripture encourages us to do the same. I will also assume that you consider loving those God puts in your path as a privilege and a satisfying purpose. Let that love continue today. Be on the lookout for ways you can express your gratitude to God for His love and grace by loving others. Receive well whoever and whatever He gives you. That’s serving Him with reverence. Also, be in awe that loving is something you love to do because He has loved you. Lean into the reality that you are His to consume for His glory. I pray and hope you’ll embrace His call to live to love with Jesus. I invite you to join me in praying what I call the live to love prayer. If you haven’t already prayed this prayer today, then I hope you’ll make it a regular part of the beginning of your day. It will put your heart in a right relationship with God and with others. Let’s pray. Father in heaven, thank You for another day of life to live to know and love You and to live to love with Jesus. Anoint and fill me with the Holy Spirit, the presence and power of Christ, so that I can love and trust You and love all those You put in my path today, for Your glory. Amen. I invite you to become a partner in our ministry. Would you pray about becoming a regular supporter of Elijah Ministries and the Live to Love with Jesus ministry? I hope you will receive the joy and benefit of “giving it forward,” so others may receive encouragement to turn their hearts to God and to live to love with Jesus. You may give online or send a check to the address listed at www.spiritofelijah.com/donate.