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Love Is Important

Matthew 22:34-40

 

We love because God first loved us (1 John 4:19). That statement tells us two simple, straightforward facts. One, love does not exist without God. Two, when we become Christians, we are expected to love. There are three things we are to love. Yes, three. One is God; We love Him by keeping His commands (1 John 5:2-3). Another is others. We love them by being like Christ towards them in every way (1 John 2:6; 3:16-18). The third person we are to love is ourselves. Remember Jesus says, “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). How can you love your neighbor if you do not love yourself? This is not the selfish worldly carnal love that quickly rushes into our minds when we talk about self-love. This is the love that God shows us and loves us with. That sacrificial providing nurturing firm full of grace love that God shows us is the love we should have for ourselves and others. Love is a choice. Without choosing love, you will not serve God, others or yourself. All you will do is sin and that seems excellent but destroys everything. See, Love, the right love, is essential.

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