His Kind of Love!

Romans 12:1-2: "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. ² Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."

It is an appeal based on love. It is not any ordinary love. It is knowing God's great love. The love that went to great depths to be with us. We were stuck in our sin and were His enemy. Our sin seperated us from Him! Christ came..He died on the cross for our sins! Christ was sinless!! He didn't have to go! He went for you, and He went for me. He was risen on the 3rd day, because of God's great power. God's GREAT love!! There is nothing like it. Nothing can ever compare to it. Do you know that kind of love? (listen to song below)

The amount of love God has for us is unfathomable. It is only when we devote ourselves to Him that we see a glimpse of the Father's great love. The peace He gives: it surpasses all understanding. His comfort--it is better than anything we could ever imagine! Only Jesus can satisfy our hearts. Only He can love us like we need to be loved. Are we letting Him nurture our souls? Or, are we walking through life on empty?

Romans 12:1-2 states:

"I appeal to you therefore, brothers by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."

It is about giving all of ourselves to God. The best relationships are the ones where there are no secrets, lies, or hidden things. We don't hold back from those relationships. (or if we do, we shouldn't) Why do we hold back from God? Why do we move away from Him? He asks for all of us. As our CREATOR, He should not have to ask. It should be a given...and done out of love. In view of what He has done for us and continues to do for us, we should give Him all of us! We make up the church body when joined together. It needs each part. God has a purpose for us. How can we come to see that purpose when we are disobedient to God--not giving Him certain areas of our lives for example? Scripture reminds that God wants all of us... There are two commandments in the New Testament: Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind is the first one. Love. It boils down to this: Love. His Kind of Love: it's reckless for us. His kind of love will never give up!~

Are you being obedient?

Taking time to be alone w/ Him?

What holds you back in your relationship with Christ?

The verse continues: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

It is not about what the world is doing. It is not about what society says, or even what those closest to us are doing or saying. It is about being with Him! He loves like we can only imagine. We cannot even know what love really is until we have experienced God's love. Scripture  reminds us that God is love. It is specific when it says: "He who does not love has not become acquainted with God [does not and never did know Him], for God is love." (1 John 4:8) To know love, we need to know Him. We need to acquaint ourselves with God. To be introduced to the Creator of the universe is only the beginning. It is about having a RELATIONSHIP with Him! Make it a daily habit to be with Him.

It is a relationship!

Do you have a relationship with Christ?

Do you realize your deep need for Him?

Where are you in your relationship with Him?

Do you have a daily time to be in the Word?

Do you have a prayer life? Special time of just talking with the Lord and praying?

Are we allowing Him to define us or does the world?

Who impacts our decisions: God through His Word and prayer or  the world/society?
Are we seeking to please God or others?

In Galatians, Paul shares these words. Soak them in. Meditate on them. "For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ (Gal. 1:10)." Who do we find ourselves trying to please? Spend some time in reflection and confessing to Him the truth, asking for His forgiveness, and basking in His grace and abundant love! Those who know Christ personally through a relationship are called children of God. Think about how loved you are as His child.