Scripture:
Ephesians 4:1-3, 11-16
Thu, 12 May 2022

To Love Is Not Easy

Observation:

What significant observations can you make about relationship and love in these passages?

Deeper Reflection
OFTENTIMES, THE REASON A PERSON GIVES FOR WANTING to divorce his or her spouse is: “I don’t love you anymore.” What that means is these romantic feelings are not there anymore. That’s not true love. It is actually “I don’t want to love you anymore” rather than “I don’t love you anymore”. True love is a commitment. It is not just emotional, but fundamentally volitional.Love exists in relationship. Love is relational in nature. Relationships can be difficult because people can be difficult. And so, to love is not easy – in all kinds of relationships, including marriage. The ideal hallmark of relationship in Christ is peaceful harmony: “the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (v.3). And what does it take for us to relate with others in peaceful harmony? It takes “all humility” (contrast: pride) – mark the words “all”, “gentleness” (contrast: harshness), “patience” (contrast: impatience) and “tolerance” (contrast: intolerance) (v.2). And we are to live out all these “in love” (contrast: unloving). These imply two realities. Relationship is not easy. And peaceful harmony is not smooth sailing relationship without conflicts.It is in the realm of relationship characterised by “love” that we “grow” to maturity (vv.13, 15-16). When we are in a situation in a relationship where inside us, we are bending toward pride, harshness, impatience and intolerance, it is the moment for us to grow and mature. And we grow in character, for humility, gentleness, patience and loving tolerance are traits of Christlike character. And character is developed, demonstrated and displayed in how we relate with all kinds of people in love.
Application:

What challenges do I face in relating with people lovingly and how will I face them?

Prayer:
Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. 
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise
  • Pray for Outreach/Missions/New Life leaders: To love difficult people with patience and kindness
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for those in need
  • Pray for self

Download this Building Fund QR Code  and upload it to your banking app via your gallery/album. 

Download this General Fund for East QR Code  and upload it to your banking app via your gallery/album. 

Download this General Fund for WDL QR Code  and upload it to your banking app via your gallery/album. 

Daily Devo
Daily Devotional Journal
Sun, 31 December 2023

Sunday Journal

Past Week’s Review
  • What was my high point and my low point for the week?
  • What gave me life and what drained me?
  • How was the Spirit of God at work?
Reflect

What is one key thing that God said to me this week in light of what has happened?

Respond

What is one thing I need to do in light of what God is saying?
Commit in prayer.

Download this New Life Fund QR Code  and upload it to your banking app via your gallery/album. 

Download this General Fund for BPJ QR Code  and upload it to your banking app via your gallery/album. 

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.