WEEK 8 — Motivated By Love (1 Corinthians 16)

“The shape of true love isn’t a diamond. It’s a cross.” —Alicia Bruxvoort

Overview
We sometimes forget why Jesus didn’t just call down a heavenly army and take Himself off the cross. The Bible tells us that He endured for the joy that was set before Him. The possibility of being in relationship with you and I is what motivated Him to stay. This is the great love that He loves us with. When we surrender to Him and His Spirit lives inside of us, it should also motivate us as well to be motivated by love to do everything that we do in life. If the underlying motivation for our work in ministry and helping others is not motivated by God’s love - then the things we do will have little effect. Every action in our life produces a reaction, so let’s have LOVE as our underlying motive. Seek the good of everyone around you, and do your best to love them with God’s love.

Memorize
1 Corinthians 16:14 Let all that you do be done with love.

1 Corinthians 16 (NKJV)
1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: 2 On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come. 3 And when I come, whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem. 4 But if it is fitting that I go also, they will go with me. 5 Now I will come to you when I pass through Macedonia (for I am passing through Macedonia). 6 And it may be that I will remain, or even spend the winter with you, that you may send me on my journey, wherever I go. 7 For I do not wish to see you now on the way; but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits. 8 But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost. 9 For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.10 And if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear; for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do. 11 Therefore let no one despise him. But send him on his journey in peace, that he may come to me; for I am waiting for him with the brethren.12 Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brethren, but he was quite unwilling to come at this time; however, he will come when he has a convenient time. 13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done with love. 15 I urge you, brethren—you know the household of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints— 16 that you also submit to such, and to everyone who works and labors with us. 17 I am glad about the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, for what was lacking on your part they supplied. 18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men. 19 The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. 20 All the brethren greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. 21 The salutation with my own hand—Paul’s. 22 If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed. O Lord, come! 23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. 24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Confession
Jesus forgive me for not always being motivated by love, but for being driven at times by my desires and ambitions. Your love is pure and has changed my life completely. You enable me to display Your love to those around me through my actions, and reactions. Thank You for allowing me to experience Your love and helping me to see others experience as well through the things Your Spirit leads me to do. I want to stay tuned in to You and be motivated by Your love.

THOUGHTS…INSIGHT…What is the Lord saying to me?

Project 52 Devotional (2021)
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