Tuesday, October 7, 2025

New Testament Reading Plan: 2 Corinthians 11

Thirty years ago, I was a misguided sophomore in high school. My time with the church I grew up in was coming to an end, which coincided with the beginning of CedarCreek's journey. My church didn’t mistreat me, but I felt conflicted by its lack of love for others. I hadn’t found my voice, so instead of expressing my thoughts, I chose to withdraw.

I’m glad to say my first church has since corrected course and now strives to reach God’s people. Thankfully, I’ve also made changes. I realized my limited spiritual commitment separated me from God, which really didn’t make me any better than the people I chose to leave.

Matthew 22:37-40
Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”

This scripture answers the question: What are we called to do?

We are called to love God and to love our neighbors.

It seems simple, but it takes commitment; it takes a servant’s heart. You can’t have a part-time relationship with God. We must grow our love for God, just as he loves us. While our love will never be perfect like his, we can strengthen our love by deepening our faith.

Start by actively spending time with him. Change your routine by trusting God’s word and promises. Have conversations about Scripture. Don’t be afraid to speak to him. Be forgiving, and show the kindness of a child. And most importantly, serve God by serving others.

Give the love you receive. Perhaps you feel some people aren’t deserving, but what makes you better than them? We are all made in God’s image, and we all sin. Yes, you are unique, but that doesn’t make you better, because everyone is equally special to God.

You can’t claim to love God and actively choose to dismiss or hate his children. Loving God means it should hurt you when you dishonor his love by harming others physically, emotionally, or spiritually. Perfection isn’t attainable, but it is possible to love with all your heart, because God’s perfect Spirit is within you.

So when you hear God’s call to love, don’t let it go to voicemail. Pick up the phone!

Questions:
Where are you on your journey with God, and how are you committed to growing in his love?

How do you live out the love of Christ to others? Do you only do that for people who look and think like you?

Next Steps:
Follow the heart of Matthew 22:37-40 by spending each day getting to know God more intimately. Read Scripture, worship in song, and explore the CedarCreek app. Do something for a stranger, join the DreamTeam, learn about others, and show genuine kindness.

Prayer:
God, I know I don’t deserve your love, but thank you for allowing me to receive it each day. I pray that you touch my heart as a reminder to love you with everything inside of me, and that by putting you first, my intentional love will grow. Help me see that all of your children are special, so I should take off my blinders and share the love I have for you. Amen.

Series Theme Verse:

Acts 17:6 (NKJV)
But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too.”

This post was written by Jaron Camp, a Findlay attendee and regular contributor to the Daily LivingItOut.