Amazing Love...What It Can Do

    Love heals. A major factor contributing to good health, alongside nutrition and exercise, is love. When genuine care is shown to one who is hurting something changes on the inside of that person.

Love encourages. By expressing godly love, we bring healing to the heart as well as the body. When the Prodigal son experienced his father’s demonstrative welcome, he knew his father was not dwelling on his sins, but was instead delighting in his safe return.

Love has power to forgive. An unforgiving spirit is one of life’s great challenges, but love enables us to pardon others. Remember: While we each deserved death as the penalty for our sin, Jesus paid our sin-debt on the cross. Every believer is a forgiven child of God, so none of us has the right to withhold forgiveness from anyone.

Love brings about generosity. The father of the Prodigal son called for the most excellent gifts available ~ the best robe, jewelry, shoes, and quality food. Just as generosity is an attribute of God, it should also be characteristic of His children and an expression of authentic love.

Love enables joyful serving. If we genuinely love someone, we willingly and unreservedly use our gifts to serve that person.

Love restores. Although the son was willing to come back and work as a slave, his father chose instead to reinstate him completely as his son.

Love builds self-esteem. Our expressions of love can convey to others that they are valuable and worth knowing.

Love is kind. It enables the believer to express kindness, even toward one who misjudges him. The Father of the prodigal son responded in kindness and appreciation for the older boy’s efforts of service and patiently explained why they should celebrate.

As Christians, we have the tremendous blessing of being able to know and love God intimately through His Word and the privilege of prayer. Our Heavenly Father longs to have a sweet, gentle, and forgiving relationship with us, through our Lord Jesus Christ.

What amazing love!

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