He Loved First

As I sit here watching the sun come up this morning, I can't help but marvel at the beauty God has made. How do I know He made it? I have faith that He did.

It's the same faith that allows me to grow closer to Him.

Developing a love for God is a little more challenging than with a friend or family member. One big reason: we can't physically see God. So maintaining and growing a love for God requires faith.

Faith allows us to have a genuine love straight from our hearts to God, even though we can't see Him with our eyes. In order to grow our love for Him, faith must be active in our Christian lives.

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"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."

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Hebrews 11:1

As we read God's Word and fellowship with Him in prayer, we see His love and involvement in our lives and the lives of others. We begin to know Him more. And knowing Him more over time creates a genuine, maturing love for Him.

Growing that love out of our faith also depends on demonstrating it through action. Faith and action together are what make for a growing relationship with God.

But here's the part we have to get right. These actions don't earn God's love or favor. God already loved us intimately and without condition long before we ever knew Him. I love that.

God's love is the true source of ours, our love for Him and our love for others.

Enjoy the long weekend, and remember those who died for our country defending our freedom.

Be Nice. Grace Wins.

FMJ