Building Bridges of Love

Building Bridges of Love Devotional Reading, July 26, 2023

“Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: you shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” —Matthew 22:37-39

We live in a world full of chaos, confusion, and a pervading deficit of love. Where do we stand? Are we going with the flow of a loveless mainstream or are we in total opposition because our hearts are filled with Agape love? The status of our hearts is revealed by our demeanor [our outward behavior, how we interact with others] and our lifestyles.

“And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.” —1 Corinthians 13:2

Our relationship with Christ is based on love. When we possess the willingness to make Christ our first love, we are empowered by the strength of the Holy Spirit to love God with our hearts, souls, and minds. Not only do we put God first, but we also see others through the loving eyes of Christ.

Many Christians think they love God, but they are in love with themselves. The true condition of our hearts is revealed by our earthly pursuits and interactions with other people. Our spoken words, habits, behaviors, and lifestyles disclose who our first love is and the secret desires within our hearts.

“It takes the right situation or conversation to reveal our true character.”

“The young man said to Him, ‘All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?’ 21 Jesus said to him, ‘If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.’ 22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.” —Matthew 19:20-22

“The selfish, money-loving man lives only to secure for himself the riches, honors, and pleasures of this world. But with the follower of Christ…For Christ’s sake, he will…deny self, that he may aid in the great work of saving souls who are without Christ and without hope in the world.” EGW

“I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” —Romans 7:15

Even as Christians we are in the struggle of our lives. To deny self goes against everything our carnal heart desires. Our innate focus is always on ourselves—every day we suffer an internal battle to please our sinful hearts or to bow in surrender to God.

“And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ ” —Luke 18:13

Yet, if in love and faith, we willingly repent and surrender ourselves to God by praying the publican’s [tax collector’s prayer] then the Holy Spirit will give us the spiritual strength to put our love for Christ into action.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such, there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” —Galatians 5:22-25

When we decide to love God with all of our hearts, souls, and minds, the power of the Holy Spirit enters our hearts. Not only do we receive spiritual insight and wisdom, but we also take the appropriate action to change our priorities and behaviors. We begin to worship God through prayer, fasting, and diligent study of the Scriptures.

The internal love we have for Christ is shown externally. We begin to treat others with love and respect. Our thoughts, desires, spoken words, and habits change because we are experiencing a transformation of our characters. Our old demeanor is replaced with the Fruit of the Spirit. We no longer react as we are treated. With a heart overflowing with love for Christ, we will love others as Christ does.

Now it is time for us to witness. The Holy Spirit will reveal opportunities for spreading the love of Christ through witnessing. Sometimes in a conversation, and at other times, we smile and only have the chance to say Good Morning.

Jesus’ earthly life demonstrated His love for everyone. Jesus gave the rejected, the impoverished, and all who were looked down on by the Pharisees hope for a better life in the Kingdom of Heaven. Building Bridges of Love is how Jesus conducted His earthly life.

The Beatitudes—Matthew 5:1-12

And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. 2 Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:

3 Blessed are the poor in spirit,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
For they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
For they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
For they shall obtain mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
For they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they shall be called sons of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Christ is truly our Role-Model. Abused and mistreated, He could have called legions of angels at any time, yet, in humility and total surrender, His life was filled with love and compassion for humanity. Even on Calvary’s cross, He bridged the gap with love for the thief on the cross and promised him eternal life.

Building Bridges of Love Requires the Human Effort of Humility, Love, Faith, and the Divine Intervention of the Holy Spirit

“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” —Ephesians 4:32

Our greatest opportunity for demonstrating the love of God is through our interaction with others. With love in our hearts and smiles on our faces, we always say good morning and speak positive words which reflect Christ. Our Christian demeanor gives others hope. Showing the love of Christ to others, it gives the recipient something to think about.

As they ponder on the experience, if their hearts are receptive then the Holy Spirit enters their hearts. Can you imagine meeting the people in heaven that you showered with the love of Christ in your earthly life? We may never know the outcome of our loving kindness to others. Still, our goal is to represent Christ every day to every person by Building Bridges of Love.

Prayer: God, we pray for the understanding and desire of Your agape love. As we perform our earthly duties, Lord, we pray that we represent You through a Christ-like loving demeanor and gently spoken words. In Jesus’ Loving name, we pray, Amen.

© 2023 Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions and Woman, You Are Loved by God Ministries