31 Days of Repentance
By Monica Kritz
Mitchell County
Day 8: Forgive me for not truly “loving” as I should.
Most of us do not have an accurate view of love…real love. JESUS said the two greatest commandments are to love HIM first with all of our being and to love others as ourselves. (Mark 12:29-31)
JESUS is our perfect example. HIS love is true love. To begin to understand HIS love in a deeper way, read Hebrews 12:2. Notice the phrase, “who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame,…” Reflect on the cross. Be still and take in the scene of JESUS dying on the cross. The cross was shameful. It was a cruel punishment for criminals. JESUS was no criminal; yet, HE willingly gave up HIS life for you…for me. It was a shame for HIM. HE despised the shame of it. But HE did it anyway. What a true picture of love!
Knowing that GOD loves us this much, it shouldn’t be too hard for us to love others…not just in our words, but in our actions. That is where real love is shown.
1 John 3:18 states, “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.”
And remember: love THE LORD first. Because of HIM, real love is possible!
Challenge:
* Where is my “love” being directed? Is it toward material things?
* Read 1 Corinthians 13:1-3.
* Read all of 1 Corinthians 13. Ask yourself if this is the way that you love others.
* Write out the words to John 3:16 and give it to someone.
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Jason and Monica Henley-Kritz live in the beautiful mountains of Spruce Pine, North Carolina, nestled near the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. Jason is the owner of Joyful Noise Vintage Audio & Electronics, where he repairs, rebuilds and restores vintage electronics. Monica is the owner of Monica’s Music Studio, where she teaches piano and music theory lessons. Jason and Monica were married in 2007, and they give GOD all the glory for any accomplishments in their lives.
Contact Monica with questions about the books or to order hard copies.
Email: monicasmusicstudio@gmail.com
Phone: 1 828 765 8789 ( Leave a message )
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