Do You Have the Ability to Love Others?

PRAY OVER THIS

“Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.” Ephesians 5:1-5

 

PONDER THIS

When a person has fellowship with God, it follows that he or she has the ability to love. There is nothing more debilitating, nothing more dulling, nothing more harmful to the ability to love than pornography. God wants you to love. But there are many things that are disguised in the world as love that are not. Pornography is not based on love. It destroys love. It is based on lust.

What’s the difference between love and lust? Lust wants to get. Love wants to give. Pornography is based on lust. It looks at people as objects to gratify one’s selfishness. The Bible says we’re to love others as we love ourselves. You should have some love for yourself. And when you have love for yourself, then you’re going to have love for others. Because you’re going to want others to be treated as you want to be treated, according to your own self-respect.

What are the treasures that we shouldn’t want to trade for anything? Number one, a clean heart. How wonderful to have a clean heart, to walk in the light, to have fellowship with God. Is any filth, any dirt, any pornography worth losing a clean heart? Number two is the ability to love. Don’t you want to be able to love people? Consider the treasure before you give into the trap.

How has God grown your ability to love others?

What are some things in your life that are holding back your ability to love others (such as pride, pornography, or self-seeking)?

PRACTICE THIS

Confess to another Christian the struggles that are inhibiting your ability to love God and others.

 

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers