Topic: To Change, Give Yourself Away in Love [RICK WARREN Devotional 11 May 2022]
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To Change, Give Yourself Away in Love
“Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.”
Romans 12:4-5 (NLT)
If you want lasting change in your life, you must fill your life with love.
Love is the only thing that can change the unchangeable. Love heals, uplifts, strengthens, energizes, refreshes, and renews. Love is the most powerful force in the universe because, as 1 John 4:8 says, “God is love” (NIV).
As a Christian, where do you find this kind of love? In community with other Christians.
God wired the universe in such a way that we need each other. I need you, and you need me. The phrase “one another” is used 58 times in the New Testament. It says things like love one another, care for one another, encourage one another, support one another, pray for one another, greet one another, share with one another.
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God never meant for you to go through life by yourself. The Bible says in Romans 12:4-5, “Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other” (NLT).
What does it mean to “belong to each other”? It means you need the people around you, and they need you. You become each other’s spiritual family. You help each other toward your goals and encourage each other as you become more like Christ.
The Bible is clear about what love looks like in a spiritual family: “Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other” (Romans 12:9-10 NLT).
“Take delight in honoring each other”—I love that! You know what that means? It means when people in your community have a win in their health, finances, or any goal they’ve set, you celebrate with them. And when life is difficult, your community of believers is the first to comfort and support you.
Here’s the amazing thing: God has wired the universe so that when you help other people, God simultaneously works on your problems. There is healing in giving back.
Remember when Job lost everything, including his health, his family, and his wealth? At the end of the story, God gave it all back to Job—because Job prayed, not for himself but for his friends. The Bible says, “After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before” (Job 42:10 NIV).
Do you need lasting, positive change as you work toward your goals? Give yourself away in love, and then watch God work in your life.
- What are the changes you want to make in your life this year? How will the support of a spiritual family help you accomplish those goals?
- How has God worked in your life as you have loved other Christians?
- Who are the people in your life who need your love and support or need you to celebrate with them today?
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