2 John 1:5-6
"I am writing to remind you, dear friends, that we should love one another. This is not a new commandment, but one we have had from the beginning. Love means doing what God has commanded us, and he has commanded us to love one another, just as you heard from the beginning."
Remembering that one theme of this letter is truth, we see here that love is another theme as it was in 1 John. Love as shown here is not an emotion but an action--doing what God has commanded!
Following is a quotation from The Life Application Study Bible, "We can show love in many ways: by avoiding prejudice and discrimination, by accepting people, by listening, helping, giving, serving, and refusing to judge. Knowing God's command is not enough. We must put it into practice."
Psalm 26
In this psalm, David asks God to examine him. "Put me on trial, Lord and cross-examine me, Test my motives and my heart." This is difficult for us because we don't really like to be reminded of our shortcomings. But this is an important part of examining ourselves because we may lie to ourselves, but God never does. When he shows us sin in our lives, our job is to confess it and forsake it.
David then goes on the focus on God. Too much introspection may not be healthy, and it will likely discourage us.. Looking too intently at others will disappoint us. So our primary focus should be on the Lord as shown to us through His word. David says in v. 3 that he was aware of God's unfailing love. And he worships the Lord "singing a song of thanksgiving and telling all your wonders." vv. 6-8. "Now I stand on solid ground, and I will publicly praise the Lord." v. 12
No comments:
Post a Comment