What Is Love?

Tuesday's Devotion (2-28-06)

“But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.” 1 Corinthians 11:32 (KJV)

Some people think that God judges them out of hate. Actually, they think that whenever someone judges them or corrects them it's out of hate. What you need to realize is that God judges and corrects you, because He loves you... And some people do this for the same reason. They're trying to protect you, and instead of being offended you should feel blessed to have such people in your life. They're trying to protect you from a bad road. God is trying to protect you from eternal condemnation. When you're judged by someone else, they could be judging you because they love you... Or they really could be trying to hurt you. BUT either way, God can use that judgment, and if that judgment is accurate then take heed. God can use anyone's judgment or corrections for your good. I remember one time someone judged me to be hateful, they used my faith against me even though they were not Christians themselves. You've all probably went through this, but anyway I thought, "This person is right. I haven't been handling this situation right as a son of God."

Some people really do mean the best when they make comments to you. I remember awhile back, I spoke out against homosexuality on the website - I spoke against the lifestyle, not the people. I spoke in a way to show them that the Bible does say that it is a sin, and that they need to turn from this way of life. I tried my best to say it in a loving manner, and I did. I just know that I did, I didn't say anything mean. However, a few people that followed some minister that taught, "It's ok to be gay," came over and said that I was teaching hate. If it's hate when you believe that you're trying to lead someone away from something for their own good, and if your intention is to protect them... Then what is love? Love isn't always giving people what they want, or saying things that they want to hear. Sometimes, love is saying what they don't want to hear in order to protect them. If you have children and they want to go to someone's house who is known for killing children, then would it be love to give them what they want and let them go? I don't think so! If you stand back and let people be hurt even by their own hands without even saying a word, then you are not loving them! Doing nothing and saying nothing can be just as much a hate crime as anything else.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for this message, and for all things. Please forgive us of all our sins, and we forgive all those who've wronged us. Please help us to truly love everyone, and not to hold anything good back from others. Draw us closer and closer to you, and don't let us be offended by correction and judgment. In Jesus name. A-men!

God bless!

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