Articles taken from Our Daily Bread
OUR DAILY BREAD WRITERS H. Dennis Fisher ◆ David C. McCasland ◆ Dave Branon ◆ Anne M. Cetas ◆ David C. Egner ◆ Joseph M. Stowell ◆ Mart DeHaan ◆ David H. Roper ◆ Marvin Williams ◆ Herbet VanderLugt ◆ Joanie Yoder ◆ Cindy Hess Kasper YMI WRITER Joanna Hor YMI ILLUSTRATOR Heri Kurniawan YMI GRAPHIC DESIGNER Vania Tan
2015 Our Daily Bread Ministries. All rights reserved. Scripture taken from New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Some taken from Freepik.com.
HELLO FRIEND! Isn’t life more beautiful when we can experience it with loved ones and friends? Regardless of what phase of life we are in, it’s natural to desire friendship and love. God made us relational beings and defined the way we should relate to one another. How can I be a true friend? What does true love look like? Why should I be bothered about relationships? Amid a world swarmed with so many questions and answers on these evergreen topics, we hope you’ll be encouraged as you read through this 21-day devotional and discover what true friendship and love is all about. To help you along in this journey, catchy, proverbial thoughts are provided at the start of each section to capture the gist of what each group of articles address. For each day’s reading, take time to study the Bible passage, read the author’s reflection, and mull over related questions. If you’ve learned something useful, jot it down in the Notes page at the end of each section. Finally, share with us how you’ve benefitted from this material or how to improve it! Also, if you’re keen to contribute your own devotions or know someone who would like to, drop us a note at contribute@ymi.today!
AS RELATIONAL BEINGS, WE ALL NEED COMPANIONS. ISN'T IT WONDERFUL TO HAVE FRIENDS WHO CAN ACCOMPANY US THROUGH LIFE'S UPS AND DOWNS? LET'S VALUE OUR FRIENDSHIPS, FOR THERE IS MUCH VALUE IN FRIENDSHIPS.
BENEFITS OF FRIENDSHIP READ: ECCLESIASTES 4:9-12 Cicero was one of the greatest thinkers of the Roman Empire. He was a skilled orator, lawyer, politician, linguist, and writer. Still today he is quoted for his clear prose and practical wisdom.
up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up” (4:910). Certainly a life without friends makes our sojourn lonely and hard to bear.
For instance, of having friends he wrote: “Friendship improves happiness and abates misery, by the doubling of our joy and the dividing of our grief.” He understood the double benefits of friendship along life’s journey. Nearly a millennium earlier, King Solomon had written about the value of friends as well. In Ecclesiastes we read, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift
That famous Roman and that Jewish king were right: Friends are important. Friends serve as confidants, counselors, and burden-sharers. Think about your friends. Have you been neglecting those God has provided to share your joys and sorrows? If so, seek out one of your friends for fellowship this week. Remember, “two are better than one,” because a friend can double our joy and divide our grief. —HDF
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FRIENDS ARE FLOWERS IN THE GARDEN OF LIFE.
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A FRIEND IS THE FIRST PERSON WHO COMES IN WHEN THE WHOLE WORLD HAS GONE OUT.
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THE VALUE OF FRIENDS R EA D: 1 S AMUEL 20 :1 2 -1 7 John Chrysostom (347–407) was one of the great preachers in the early church. He was given the name Chrysostom, which means “golden-mouthed,” because of his eloquent sermons. Here is one of his insights on the value of friends: “Such is friendship, that through it we love places and seasons; for as . . . flowers drop their sweet leaves on the ground around them, so friends impart favor even to the places where they dwell. With friends even poverty is pleasant . . . It would be better for us that the sun were exhausted than that we should be without friends.” The story of Jonathan and David illustrates the value of friendship. Though David was hunted by the demented King Saul, he drew encouragement from his friendship with Saul’s son. “Jonathan . . . loved [David] as he loved his own soul” (1 Sam. 20:17). Their relationship was characterized
by trust, understanding, and encouragement. How difficult it would have been for David to endure this unjust persecution without the nourishment of friendship based in the Lord (v.42). The ancient voice of Chrysostom and the witness of David and Jonathan are reminders of the need to nurture the friendships God has given us. —HDF
Who can you thank God for that have walked through life’s ups and downs with you? Do something to express your appreciation today. Have you ever helped a friend through a very difficult period? What steps could you take to become a valuable friend?
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NOTES
GENUINE FRIENDSHIP IS MORE THAN JUST A WARM FUZZY FEELING OF HAVING OR BEING A FRIEND. A FRIEND IN NEED IS A FRIEND INDEED. BE A TRUE FRIEND. MEET ONE ANOTHER'S NEEDS. CARE FOR EACH OTHER'S AFFAIRS.
A CIRCLE OF FRIENDS READ: EPHESIANS 2:1-13 Many high school students with autism or Down syndrome feel excluded and ignored. They often eat alone in a crowded cafeteria because other students don’t know how to relate to them or simply don’t care. To address this need, speech therapist Barbara Palilis began “Circle of Friends”—a program that pairs students with disabilities with nondisabled peers for lunch dates and social activities. Through this outreach, special-needs students and those nondisabled peers who befriend them continue to be enriched and changed through the gift of acceptance, friendship, and understanding.
us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)” (Eph. 2:4-5).
Being included is at the heart of the gospel of Christ. “God, who is rich in mercy, . . . even when we were dead in trespasses, made
Is there someone whom you could reach out in caring friendship today?
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Through faith in Christ, we “who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ” (v.13). Our privileged place as members of the “household of God” (v.19) should give us eyes to see and hearts to care for those around us who are ignored and alone. If each of us would reach out in caring friendship to one person today, what a difference it would make for us all. —DCM
REACH OUT IN FRIENDSHIP AND ENCOURAGE THE LONELY; ENERGIZE THE WEARY.
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D O YOU CARE? READ: 1 SAMUEL 20:1-23 It’s one thing to tell a friend you care. It’s quite another to show it. When David and Jonathan made a pact of friendship (1 Sam. 18:1-4), neither of them knew to what extent Jonathan would have to go to show his care for David. But it didn’t matter. Undaunted by danger, Jonathan courageously acted to save David’s life (20:123). When we develop close friendships, we may also be called on to demonstrate by our actions that we care. The acrostic C-A-R-E can help us remember four key elements of friendship. CHALLENGE your friend to grow spiritually. A good friend knows the importance of turning the conversation toward matters of faith. AFFIRM your friend’s value. A phone call or a note can let your friend know how important he or she is and can keep your friendship strong.
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RESPECT the feelings and wishes of your friend. No one wants a friend with whom ideas, dreams, and concerns fall on deaf ears. A good friend is a great sounding board. ENCOURAGE your friend through compliments and by doing good deeds. Your friend will feel better after having been in your presence. Do you have a friend you should care for today? —JDB
SEE A FRIEND IN NEED? BE A FRIEND INDEED.
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A TRUE FRIEND STANDS WITH US IN TIMES OF TRIAL.
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FRIENDS IN THE NIGHT READ: 1 SAMUEL 20:30-42 Do you have someone you could call in the middle of the night if you needed help? Bible teacher Ray Pritchard calls these people “2 a.m. friends.” If you have an emergency, this kind of friend would ask you two questions: “Where are you?” and “What do you need?”
Because of their deep friendship, Jonathan “was grieved for David” (v.34). He warned him of his father’s plan and told him he should leave (vv.41-42). David recognized what a good friend he had in Jonathan. The Bible says they wept together, “but David more so” (v.41). Their souls were “knit” together.
Friends like that are crucial during difficult times. Jonathan was that type of friend for David. Jonathan’s father, King Saul—who was filled with envy at David’s popularity and God’s blessing on him—tried to kill him (1 Sam. 19:9-10). David escaped and asked his friend for help (ch. 20). While David hid in the field, Jonathan sat at dinner with his father and quickly realized that Saul did indeed intend to kill David (vv.24-34).
Do you have loving Christian friends you can count on in a crisis? Are you someone your friends would call a “2 a.m. friend”? —AMC
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SHALLOW FRIENDLINESS READ: JOHN 15:9-17 Recently I received a phone call from a friendly-sounding person who told me she wanted to make my life easier. She called me by my first name and warmly asked how my day was going. Then she informed me that she could help me save thousands of dollars a year if I would simply refinance my home with a particular mortgage company. But once she understood that I really wasn’t interested, her friendliness evaporated. Such insincere friendliness is often just a culturally correct attitude that some people use to impress others or to get something from them. Contrast that self-serving attitude with the genuine friendship Jesus showed us. He said, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (John 15:13). Then He
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demonstrated self-sacrificing love for us by dying on the cross to forgive our sins. When we trust Jesus as our Savior and learn to obey Him, we experience a deep friendship that gives reality and sincerity to the friendliness we show to others. Lord, help us to avoid the shallow friendliness that uses others to get what we want. Teach us instead to radiate the warmth of genuine Christlike friendliness to everyone we meet. —DCE
Has there been a time that you “used” someone to get what you want? What does it mean to “lay down one’s life for his friends” on a day-to-day basis?
TRUE FRIENDLINESS CAN BE A MAGNET THAT DRAWS PEOPLE TO CHRIST. FRIENDSHIP & LOVE
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NOTES
TO MAKE A FRIENDSHIP WORK, LIP SERVICE ALONE IS DEFINITELY A NO-NO. BUT THAT'S NOT SAYING WE DON'T PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT WE SAY, FOR WORDS CAN CAUSE JOY OR DISMAY.
CUTTING REMARKS READ: PROVERBS 12:17-22 The writer of Proverbs describes an unwise person as “one who speaks like the piercings of a sword” (12:18). Our tongues can be like a multibladed Swiss Army knife when it comes to the variety of ways that we cut and destroy each other. Unhealthy attitudes of anger, irritation, frustration, and impatience— even disappointment, stress, guilt, and insecurity—all contribute to our damaging speech. And as we cut with our words, we wound and divide friendships and relationships. It’s no wonder that the infamous list of seven things that are an abomination to the Lord includes anyone who “sows discord among brethren” (Prov. 6:16-19).
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OUR WORDS have the power to build up or tear down. How do we stay off that list? For starters, we need to watch what we say. Gossip and slander are out, and words that hurt instead of heal are not welcome. Boasting, lying, and all the rest of the ways we use words to hurt and divide need to be gone as well. In their place, words that extend love and the healing power of forgiveness, mercy, and truth should rule our words and relationships. After all, where would we be if Jesus hadn’t spoken words of forgiving love and grace to us? So, put the “knife” away and use your words to help and heal. —JMS
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IT’S BETTER TO BITE YOUR TONGUE THAN TO MAKE A BITING REMARK. 21 /
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MAN EATERS READ: EPHESIANS 4:25-32 Have you ever heard of one snake eating another snake? According to zookeepers, two of these reptiles will sometimes grab different ends of the same piece of food. Sooner or later their struggle for that last bite brings them nose to nose. But then comes the surprise. The snake with the widest bite will keep right on going and actually swallow the other! Christians have been known to “consume one another” too. We may say something unkind to a fellow Christian, who then becomes defensive, and an argument develops. We know we would be better off if we held our tongue and trusted the Lord for the outcome, but we just keep going. It’s easy to assume that we’re too mature to let things go too far. But the apostle Paul reminded us
in Galatians 5:15 that words and emotions can get out of hand— even among Christians. When this happens, feelings get hurt, friendships are destroyed, the church becomes divided, and the body of Christ suffers. It is crucial that we ask the Lord daily to help us to “be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another” (Eph. 4:32). Only as we rely on Him will the love of Christ in our hearts replace the man-eating impulses of a sharp tongue and a bitter spirit. —MRDII Was there a time that you wished you could retract a comment made to a friend? Are there friendships in which you need to show a tender heart, kindness, and forgiveness?
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NOTES
CHRISTIAN FRIENDSHIP IS UNIQUE AT THE CORE. IN ALL WE SAY AND HOW WE LIVE, THE GOSPEL IS BROUGHT TO THE FORE. LET'S LEAD OUR FRIENDS CLOSER TO CHRIST.
MAKING FRIENDS READ: MARK 2:13-17 A letter from a friend described the adjustments that his son and daughter-in-law were facing as young missionaries in a country long resistant to the gospel of Christ. “After some rough early going,” he wrote, “they are getting used to not having modern conveniences and are falling in love with the people.”
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A photo showed the couple’s 2-year-old-son Wesley and a waiter in a restaurant, both grinning widely as they shared a moment of friendship. My friend commented, “Ever smiling, Wesley makes friends wherever he goes.” That got me to thinking. Making friends and loving people is the key to sharing the gospel wherever we are, because that’s what Jesus did. Some religious leaders were surprised when Jesus openly associated with people they considered undesirable. They said to His disciples, “How is it that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?” (Mark 2:16). Yet Jesus was known as the friend of sinners. He said, “I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance” (v.17). A loving heart and a friendly smile go a long way to communicate the love of Christ to the people we meet each day. May they say of us, as they did of little Wesley, “Ever smiling, he makes friends wherever he goes.” —DCM
LOVING THE lOST is the First step in leading them to christ.
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FRIENDSHIP READ: 1 SAMUEL 2 3:14-18 Friendship is one of life’s greatest gifts. True friends seek a special kind of good for their friends: the highest good, which is that they might know God and love Him with all of their heart, soul, and mind. German pastor and martyr Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, “The aim of friendship is exclusively determined by what God’s will is for the other person.” Jonathan, David’s friend, is a sterling example of true friendship. David was in exile, hiding in the Desert of Ziph, when he learned that “Saul had come out to seek his life” (1 Sam. 23:15). Jonathan went to Horesh to find David. The significance of this scene lies in Jonathan’s intent: He helped David find strength in God or, as the text puts it, he “strengthened his hand [grip] in God” (v.16). That is the essence of Christian friendship. Beyond common interests, beyond affection, beyond wit and laughter is the ultimate aim of sowing in others the words of eternal life, leaving them with reminders of God’s wisdom, refreshing their spirit with words of His love, and strengthening their grip on God.
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Pray for your friends and ask God to give you a word “in season” to help them find renewed strength in our God and His Word. —DHR Are you intentional about sharing the gospel with your friends? What changes do you need to make to your words and actions so that you may point others to Christ?
A true friend is a gift from God and one who points us back to Him.
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NOTES
“What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry, everything to God in prayer!� Jesus is our ultimate Friend, of His goodness there is no end.
PRAYER IS MEANT TO BE AN INTIMATE CONVERSATION WITH GOD OUR BEST FRIEND.
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“WE JUST HAVE TO TALK” READ: EXODUS 33:1-11 Lisa and Sheryl have been friends since grade school. Even though their paths have taken them in different directions since those schoolgirl days in New Jersey, they have maintained their close friendship. Sheryl is married, settled in the Midwest, and the mother of young children. Lisa is single and involved in mission work, most recently in Russia. “Every now and then we just have to talk,” says Sheryl. So they pick up the phone to catch up on what’s been happening and to share their hearts. In Exodus 33:11, we read that “the Lord spoke to Moses . . . as a man speaks to his friend.” Moses enjoyed something far better than an occasional long-distance talk with the Lord. He had frequent, face-to-face conversations with
Him. During those intimate talks, the Lord gave Moses instructions for leading the people of Israel. Because of what Jesus Christ has done for us, and because the Holy Spirit now lives within all followers of Christ, we too can enjoy a special friendship and closeness with God. He speaks to us through His Word and by His Spirit, and we have the privilege of talking to Him in prayer. If you are like me, as you go through your day you’ll find yourself saying to God, “We just have to talk.” —DCE Reflect on the times you’ve had intimate talks with God. What did God reveal to you during those periods?
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NOTES
“FRIENDS ARE FRIENDS FOREVER, IF THE LORD 'S THE LORD OF THEM.” IN CHRIST, OUR FRIENDS ARE NOT ONLY FOR THIS LIFE BUT ALSO IN THE LIFE TO COME. NOW ISN 'T THAT PRETTY AWESOME?
INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP READ: COLOSSIANS 1:3-12 In 1947, Nadia from Bulgaria and Millicent from the United States became pen pals. For years they swapped photos, school experiences, and dreams. Then their letters stopped when government policy banned personal contact with the West. After many years of political upheaval and change, Millicent, on a whim, sent a letter to the last address she had for Nadia. To their delight, the letter got through. Before long, they discovered that both had married doctors and both collected seashells. Forty-eight years after their first letter, the two friends finally met at Miami International Airport, where Millicent exclaimed, “Nadia! I would know you anywhere!’’
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The letters of the apostle Paul overflow with affection and gratitude for his friends. In his letter to the Colossians, he wrote: “We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you” (1:3). His letters also encouraged their walk with Christ (v.10). Any friendship can be a gift from God. But nothing runs deeper than the relationships of those who share a bond in Christ. In fact, Jesus commanded His disciples: “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12). In Him, friendships are treasures that will last forever. —MRDII
OF ALL THE MANY BLESSINGS That our gracious Father sends, I thank Him most of all today, For loyal-hearted friends. - Halse
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A FRIEND TO THE END READ: PROVERBS 18:14-24 Traditionally, medical schools have trained their students to help patients live, while offering little instruction in helping them face death. But that is changing with the addition of courses in end-of-life care. Physicians are now taught that when they have used all their medical expertise without achieving a cure, they should seize the opportunity to stand compassionately beside their dying patients and be a friend. Death frightens many of us and makes us feel awkward in the presence of a terminally ill person. But our greatest opportunities to help someone in Jesus’ name may come during a person’s final days on earth.
LOVING THE lOST is the First step in leading them to christ.
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The Bible speaks of a friendship that knows no limits. “A friend loves at all times,” said the wise man (Proverbs 17:17). And “there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (18:24). Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (John 15:13). Jesus is both our Great Physician and our Friend, and He promised that He would never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). He calls us to stand with our friends and family in His name as their earthly journey nears its end. That’s what a true friend would do. —DCM
A friend is he who always knows When the cold wind of trouble blows, Who comes in dark and stormy night With friendship’s glowing lamp alight. - Mason FRIENDSHIP & LOVE
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CHRISTIANS NEVER SAY GOODBYE FOR THE LAST TIME.
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PAINFUL FAREWELLS READ: ACTS 20:17-38 Saying goodbye to someone you love can be awkward and difficult. Down deep you wonder, Will I ever see this person again? You almost wish you had never gotten so attached. It hurts so much to let go. I thought of this as I looked at some pictures a young woman had collected during her high school years. She talked to me about several students from abroad who had become her dear friends. When I asked how she had grown so attached to them, she replied, “I don’t know. But it sure was hard to say goodbye!” Sooner or later, we all will experience the tears of separation. The apostle Paul nurtured and taught the believers in Ephesus for 3 years. But when he had to leave, “They all wept freely, . . . sorrowing . . . that they would see
his face no more” (Acts 20:37-38). As Christians, we have good reason to establish close ties, even though they will eventually be broken. Our hope in the resurrection to come assures us that someday we will be reunited in the presence of God. Farewells can be very painful. But don’t let that keep you from building close relationships with others who love the Lord. He makes those friendships worthwhile—both now and in eternity! —MRDII How would knowing that one day there will be a grand reunion in heaven embolden you to establish close ties with believers today? How does God’s Word provide comfort to you or loved ones who are left behind?
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NOTES
LOVE IS LIKE MULTIPLICATION. PLACE A POSITIVE (love) next to a negative (wrong object) and the result is still negative. Where we place our affection ON is imperative.
MISPLACED LOVE READ: PSALM 115 Martin Lindstrom, an author and speaker, thinks that cellphones have become akin to a best friend for many owners. Lindstrom’s experiment using an MRI helped him discover why. When the subjects saw or heard their phone ringing, their brains fired off neurons in the area associated with feelings of love and compassion. Lindstrom said, “It was as if they were in the presence of a girlfriend, boyfriend, or family member.” Many things vie for our affection and time and attention, and it seems we’re always needing to evaluate where we’re focusing our lives. Joshua told the people of Israel that they were to give their affection and worship to God alone (Josh. 24:14). This was significant in contrast to the idols worshiped by the nations around them. These idols were made
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of metal and were only the work of men’s hands (Ps. 115:4). They were totally powerless compared to the Lord. Therefore, God’s people were exhorted to find their security in Him and not in other gods (Judg. 10:13-16). Jesus reiterated this in His discussion of the commandments: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind” (Matt. 22:37). The Lord alone is our help and shield (Ps. 115:9). May we reserve our worship for Him. —MLW What do our actions in the last few months reveal about our affections? Is there any indication that we have placed someone or something above God?
god is most worthy of our affections. FRIENDSHIP & LOVE
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NOTES
THE PICTURE oF TRUE LOVE IS MORE THAN JUST PRETTY STROKES OF AFFECTION AND ADMIRATION. IT IS A GRITTY ONE, COVERED WITH MARKS OF SACRIFICE AND OBEDIENCE. JESUS IS THAT PERFECT PICTURE OF TRUE LOVE.
SIGNS OF LOVE READ: JOHN 14:15 -24 School was over for the day, and 14-year-old Sandy couldn’t wait to get home. Bursting into the kitchen, she exclaimed, “Mother, I’m in love! I tingle whenever I’m near him, and I have butterflies in my stomach when he talks to me.” Sandy’s mother listened as her daughter bubbled over about the wonders of being in love, but she wasn’t unduly alarmed. She expected that before long the romance would end—and in a few days it did. There’s much more to true love than a tingling sensation and butterflies in the stomach. Likewise, the signs of a genuine love for Jesus must be much more than the good feelings gained from enthusiastic singing and glowing testimonies in public.
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I heard of a woman who exuberantly described how much she enjoyed her church and loved Jesus. Yet she refused to speak to her mother-in-law, fought with her sisters, and tried to dominate her husband. If she couldn’t show her devotion to Jesus by obeying His command to love others, the happiness she felt at church meant nothing. When Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (Jn. 14:15), He was giving us the supreme test of our devotion to Him. Do we pass the test? —HVL
ONE PROOF OF YOUR LOVE FOR GOD IS YOUR LOVE FOR YOUR NEIGHBOR.
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LOVE IN ACTION READ: 1 JOHN 3:16-24 A young man sent a love letter to his girlfriend. It read: “Darling, I’d climb the highest mountain, sail the widest ocean, cross the hottest desert just to see you. P.S.—I’ll be over Saturday night if it doesn’t rain.” We chuckle at his fickleness, but feel bad for the girl who, like all of us, longs for love in action, not empty promises. John said that Jesus Christ showed us what true love is when “He laid down His life for us.” But John continued, “We also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren” (1 Jn. 3:16). The Greek word used for love in 1 John 3:16 is agape. This kind of love is characterized by sacrifice. It is a love based on the will, not on
emotions. It’s not a feeling subject to the whims of our convenience. It is a decision to love another despite the cost. Laying down our lives for others usually doesn’t mean dying. Often it costs little more than stopping what we’re doing and entering someone’s world of need. I once felt prompted by the Holy Spirit to stop scrubbing my kitchen floor to visit a neighbor. She later accepted Christ, in part due to the friendship we had established during that visit. Don’t miss small opportunities to love by waiting for big ones. With agape love, even small acts of love are big. —JEY
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THE BEST COMPANION READ: 1 JOHN 3:1-3 Some people looking for love have found help in an unusual place—a taxicab in New York City. Taxicab driver Ahmed Ibrahim loves to set up blind dates for his single passengers. His matchmaking services have been featured on the Fox News Channel, The Wall Street Journal, and NBC’s Todayshow. He doesn’t assist just anybody though; they have to be serious about looking to settle down with someone. Ahmed loves to help romance blossom, and he even hands out roses on Valentine’s Day. The best place to find love is not in another person but in a book, the Bible. The Bible tells of God’s great love for us. This is expressed in what my friend called the best love note she had ever received. It’s found in John 3:16.
the more you read the bible, the more you’ll love it’s author.
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For God so loVed the world, That He gAve His onLy BegottEn SoN That whoever Believes In Him Should Not perish, But have Everlasting life. God loves us like no one else ever could. He showed that love when He sent His Son, Jesus, to be our Savior. He’s also the best companion we’ll ever have. Open your Bible and learn more about Him. —AMC Besides John 3:16, what other love notes can you find in the Bible? How have you experienced God’s love in your life?
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NOTES
“WIDE WIDE AS THE OCEAN, HIGH AS THE HEAVEN ABOVE, DEEP DEEP as the deepest sea is my saviour’s love.” A Simple song the children sing, but so much truth it brings!
THE ROMANCE READ: RUTH 3:1-11 Widows in biblical times often faced a life of poverty. That’s the situation Ruth and her mother-in-law, Naomi, were in after each woman lost her husband. But God had a plan to provide security for them while involving Ruth as an integral part of a much bigger plan. Boaz, a wealthy landowner, knew of and admired Ruth (Ruth 2:5-12), but he was surprised when he awoke one night to see her lying at his feet (3:8). She asked him to “spread the corner” of his garment over her to indicate that as a close relative he was willing to be her “kinsman-redeemer” (v.9 NIV). This was more than a request for protection; she was requesting marriage. Boaz agreed to marry her (vv.11-13; 4:13).
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Not exactly your typical romantic tale. But Ruth’s choice to follow Naomi’s instructions (3:3-6) set up a series of events that placed her in God’s plan of redemption! From Ruth’s marriage to Boaz came a son (Obed), the eventual grandfather of King David (4:17). Generations later, Joseph was born to the family, and he became the “legal father” of Mary’s child (Matt. 1:16-17; Luke 2:4-5)—our Kinsman-Redeemer, Jesus. Ruth trusted God and followed Naomi’s instructions even though the ending was uncertain. We too can count on God to provide for us when life is unsure. —CHK
Fear hinders FAITH, BUT TRUST KINDLES CONFIDENCE. FRIENDSHIP & LOVE
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GOD’s love is a fabric that never fades, no matter how often it is washed in the waters of adversity.
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ENDURING LOVE READ: 1 CORINTHIANS 13:1-8 Like many people, I enjoy the Google homepage artwork that appears on special days and holidays. Last Valentine’s Day, the artistic logo showed an older couple—a man with a cane and a white-haired woman—walking hand in hand as the woman held two heart-shaped balloons. It was a beautiful reminder that while our culture glorifies youthful romance, true love has many stages during our journey through life. Paul’s great essay in 1 Corinthians 13 celebrates the depth and tenacity of the love that carries us beyond self-interest and mere affection. “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails” (vv.4-8). Brian Wren has captured this
reality in his moving hymn, “When Love Is Found”: When love is tried as loved ones change, Hold still to hope though all seems strange, Till ease returns, and love grows wise Through listening ears and opened eyes. When our commitments are tested in the fires of life, no matter what difficulties we face, may God grant us a greater experience of His enduring love and the grace to demonstrate it each day. —DCM
Which aspect of God’s love do you find missing in today’s culture? Which aspects do you need to demonstrate in your life today? FRIENDSHIP & LOVE
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KEEP THE ROMANCE READ: JUDE 17-23 The great American statesman and lawyer William Jennings Bryan (1860-1925) was having his portrait painted. The artist asked, “Why do you wear your hair over your ears?” Bryan responded, “There is a romance connected with that. When I began courting Mrs. Bryan, she objected to the way my ears stood out. So, to please her, I let my hair grow to cover them.” “That was many years ago,” the artist said. “Why don’t you have your hair cut now?” “Because,” Bryan winked, “the romance is still going on.” Is the romance still going on in our relationship with Jesus? When we first came in faith to Christ, we experienced the joy of knowing our sins were forgiven and we were adopted into His family. Our hearts were full and overflowing with love for the Lord. We longed to please Him.
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FRIENDSHIP & LOVE
As time passed, however, the zeal of our first love may have begun to cool. That’s why we need to take to heart the words of Jude in his brief letter. He wrote, “Keep yourselves in the love of God” (v.21). Jesus used similar terms when He said, “Abide in My love” (John 15:9-10). We nurture that love when we focus on pleasing Him instead of ourselves. Keep the romance going. —DCE How can you ensure that you remain in the love of God? What are some practical steps you can take?
TO RENEW YOUR love for Christ, review his love for you.
FRIENDSHIP & LOVE
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