By: Elizabeth Haarberg

Love is the Key

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking this SoundCloud link.

The power that the Holy Spirit gives us is wonderful but equally as wonderful is the love that we receive from God. Love is the key to forgiveness, healing, connection as well as many other amazing things.

“And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”
Colossians 3:14 English Standard Version

Love is the glue that binds everything in our life together.

“So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” Corinthians 13:13 English Standard Version

Love is the ultimate gift we receive. Love is for more than our romantic relationships, it’s for our neighbor and our enemies.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Matthew 43-48 English Standard Version

Love those that hate you. This offering of love is not only for them to receive God’s love but for us, softening our heart to be able to resist bitterness and resentment. Our goal as Christians is to radiate God’s love for all to be inspired.

“Taste and see that the Lord is good;”
Psalm 34:8 New International Version

If we receive the love that God is offering, we’re able to turn toward someone and offer them a taste of how good God is. This offering is not possible if we haven’t forgiven those that have hurt us and turn away from hate and bitterness. Receive the love that God is offering, Jesus is constantly offering this love to us.

Copyright Holy Cross Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado