TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE

DEVOTIONAL

by Elder Chris Beltran

Why do we need to pursue Agape Love?

First, it is the greatest commandment. Jesus sums up all the commandments into two: love God and love others. These two commandments go hand in hand. One cannot say he loves God yet does not love his neighbor. If we say that we truly love God and are His followers, then we should obey Him by loving others as well. 

Second, love is the greatest value. We can see this clearly in 1 Corinthians 13: the love chapter. Paul compares the three important values, faith, hope, and love, concluding that the greatest of these is love. Everything we accomplished and what we have done will count for nothing if we do not have love. Our motivation for serving Him or doing ministry should always be love.

The third is Christlikeness. Christ’s teachings have always centered around love. He demonstrated His Love for us by doing on the cross while we were yet sinners. Love is not just a feeling but something that is beyond it. Do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you. While Jesus was hanging on the cross, He had so much love for His enemies that He even said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 9:27-28). Paul further added: owe nothing to anyone except to love one another.  

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, we come before You seeking the understanding and strength to pursue Agape Love in our lives. As the greatest commandment and the greatest value, help us to love You wholeheartedly and to extend that love to others. May our actions be motivated by the love exemplified by Jesus, who showed unconditional love even to His enemies. Fill our hearts with the selfless love that reflects Your character and transforms us into vessels of Your grace, in Jesus’ name, amen.