Our response to His love
Love is a major theme in the Bible–God’s love for His people; His call for His people to love and worship Him; His command that we are to love one another; and God’s directive to care for our bodies. What is our response to His love?
God’s love for us…
God’s love for us is amazing.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. (John 3:16-17, NIV*)
Love God…
We love God in response to His great love for us.
When asked the greatest commandment, Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all you soul and with all your mind.'” This is the first and greatest commandment. (Matthew 22:37-38)
Love one another…
After the directive to love God with our heart, soul, and mind, Jesus followed up with another:
“And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'” (Matthew 22:39)
And another…
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. (John 13:34-35)
Our response to His love
How do we respond to this amazing love our Father has for us?
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own, you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
God loves us so much, He sent His Son to take the burden of our sin, a Holy and living sacrifice–for us! Because God loves us, He wants the best for us which includes a healthy and happy life. We honor God when we take care of our body as we make healthier lifestyle choices. We show our love for God when we keep this amazing body He has given us as healthy as we can. We share love with our families by caring for our bodies and encouraging them to do the same.
*All scripture is from the NIV
Honoring God with My Body: Journey to Wellness and a Healthy Lifestyle releases on October 4. That’s next week! A friend asked me if I am excited yet–YES! More information here.
His love is incomprehensible to our human minds. We can never thank God enough for what He has done and who He is.
Your response sums it all up, Barbara. Thank you. We are so blessed.
As I am learning from your book my friend, honoring God with my body is much more than merely dedicating my labors to Him. In understanding how much He loves us, it makes us want to treat His precious blessing better than we do.
It took me years to realize how much our Father loves me and how precious is this vessel (our body) He gifted us. And then, when I think of the Holy Spirit residing in our bodies, I am even more awed by God’s grace. I hope we can all take steps to better care for our bodies in honor of our Lord. We all have habits that aren’t good for us, but our Father will help us on the journey to healthier choices. I’m so grateful for your kindness and encouragement as Honoring God with My Body is about to be “birthed.” Praying for you and your sweet bride.
This message is important and has long been ignored as we’ve overfed and under-exercised our temples. Thanks, Katherine. God bless!
You are absolutely right, Nancy. “We are over-fed and under-exercised.” And those habits are hard to change, but a healthier lifestyle is possible. It takes knowledge, commitment, perseverance, determination, and lots of encouragement (the same traits we need in all aspects of life.) You bless me with your encouragement, Nancy. Thank you!
Amen, Katherine. Thank you.
Thank you, Diane. I’m grateful for your support. Wishing you a blessed day!
This book and the essential messages isa long time coming. Glad to know it’s almost here!
Thank you for your encouragement, Mary. I’m grateful for you support on this journey.