Friday, May 16, 2025

New Testament Reading Plan: Acts 20

God's love isn't seasonal, shifting, or based on performance. It endures through everything. If we're following Jesus, that love isn't just something we receive. It's something we have an opportunity to reflect and share with others.

1 John 4:11-12
Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us.

God's love is given to us with full expression, not just in how we feel it, but in how we live it out.

But let's be honest - it's not always easy. Some people make it hard. That's why we don't love from our own strength. We love through God's love in us. The more deeply we embrace his love, the more freely we can extend it, especially when it's hard.

How do we actually live this out?

Start by asking God to help you see others the way he does.

You don't have to decide who "deserves" love - God's already decided that everyone does.

Maybe you've been praying for God to change a situation, but what if he's using that situation to change you?

…To grow your patience?

…To stretch your compassion?

…To teach you to want more for someone than from them?

Let's stop placing God-sized expectations on the people around us. People will fail us. They're human. But God's love? That's where we find consistency, peace, and strength to keep loving, even when it's tough.

Questions:
Where have you seen God's enduring love show up in your life?

Who in your life might need a fresh dose of that love from you?

Next Steps:
Prayerfully ask God to show you someone in your life who could use a reminder of how much he loves them. Then, show up the way he does. Pray, listen, or simply show kindness. You don't have to get it perfect. Just stay open to being a full reflection of the love you're receiving.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for loving me with a love that never gives up. Help me live from it, and give me eyes to see others like you do. Teach me to love consistently - not just when it's easy, but when it truly reflects you. In Jesus' name, amen.

Series Theme Verse:

John 8:31-32
Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

This post was written by Lori Tuckerman, Director of Content for the LivingItOut Devotional.