Devotional

Day 1: God’s Fatherly Love
Reading: Numbers 14:17-19, Proverbs 3:11-12
Devotional: Today we reflect on God’s love as our Heavenly Father. Just as the sermon described, God’s love is both compassionate and corrective. Like a parent who disciplines their child out of love, God’s correction in our lives stems from His deep care for us. As you read about Moses interceding for the Israelites, consider how God’s love remains steadfast even when His people rebel.
Reflect on areas in your life where you might be resisting God’s loving guidance. How can you open your heart to receive both His comfort and His correction today?

Day 2: Speaking Truth in Love
Reading: Ephesians 4:14-16, Colossians 4:6
Devotional: The power of our words is a central theme in today’s readings. Paul encourages us to speak the truth in love, growing into maturity in Christ. Consider the examples from the sermon - Jesus speaking to the rich young ruler and the woman caught in adultery. In both cases, Jesus communicated truth with deep love and compassion.
Reflect on your own communication. Are your words “cross-shaped,” bringing life rather than death? Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your speech today, that you might build others up and reflect Christ’s love in every conversation.

Day 3: The Transformative Power of God’s Love
Reading: Romans 5:5-8, 1 John 4:7-12
Devotional: Today we focus on how God’s love transforms us from within. The sermon highlighted how God’s love is poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. This indwelling love enables us to love others as Christ loved us.
As you read, meditate on the depth of God’s love for you personally. How has experiencing God’s love changed you? Consider one way you can allow God’s love to flow through you to someone else today, perhaps through an act of kindness or a word of encouragement.

Day 4: Walking in Love
Reading: Ephesians 5:1-2, Micah 6:8
Devotional: Our readings today call us to imitate God’s love in our daily walk. We are challenged to live as “dearly loved children,” reflecting the character of our Heavenly Father. The prophet Micah beautifully summarizes what this looks like: acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God.
Reflect on each of these aspects. Where do you see opportunities in your life to act with greater justice, show more mercy, or cultivate deeper humility? Ask God to help you walk more closely with Him today, embodying His love in tangible ways.

Day 5: Love as the Mark of Discipleship
Reading: John 13:34-35, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Devotional: We conclude our week focusing on love as the defining characteristic of Christ’s followers. Jesus gave us a new commandment - to love one another as He has loved us. This love is meant to be our distinctive mark in the world. As you read the famous “love chapter” in 1 Corinthians, consider how your life measures up to this description of love. Where do you see growth, and where do you need God’s help to love more fully?
Pray for the Holy Spirit to empower you to love in ways that clearly demonstrate your discipleship to Christ, drawing others to Him through the witness of your love.