Shalom,

Today I want to share from Jerry Savelle's devotional found on his website!

OUR DISTINGUISHING MARK

Walking in love should be the distinguishing mark of a believer. We represent Christ to the world. The world needs something to see before they can believe. That is why God wants us to walk in love.

The world can’t see Christ, but they can see you. If they see something in you that they don’t have, then there’s a strong possibility that they will want what you’ve got.

The world is controlled by sense knowledge. Knowledge that is gained through the five physical senses: seeing, hearing, touching, smelling, and tasting. The world has to see something before they can believe it. That is the reason why Jesus gave us a distinguishing mark, something that can be seen and that is love. You represent Jesus. What people see in your life is the image that they will have of Christ. If you are walking in love, then they will be drawn to Him.

Think about the word “Christian.” It means like Christ. You and I are to be like Christ. We are to walk in His love. But if we are selfish, self-centered, moody, or jealous, then they are going to think that is what Christ is like. But if we walk in love and if we are willing to go the extra mile with people, then they are going to think that this must be the way Jesus is.

The world will never see the love of God until believers demonstrate it in their lives. You can quote John 3:16 to them all day long, but if they never see God’s love operating in you, then they will never become persuaded to follow Him. When the love of God is flowing through you, then the world can’t help but notice!

AMEN!

Now I want to share with you the mmost powerful translation of 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 that I have ever seen! This is an Interpretive Translation shared by our partner, Rick Renner, who is also a Greek scholar! Use THIS gauge as you determine where you may need improvement in YOUR 'love walk'! Remember, LOVE NEVER FAILS! 

The following is an expanded interpretive translation of First Corinthians 13:4-8:

“Love patiently and passionately bears with others for as long as patience is needed;

Love doesn’t demand others to be like itself; rather, it is so focused on the needs of others that it bends over backwards to become what others need it to be;

Love is not ambitious, self-centered, or so consumed with itself that it never thinks of the needs or desires that others possess;

Love doesn’t go around talking about itself all the time, constantly exaggerating and embellishing the facts to make it look more important in the sight of others;

Love does not behave in a prideful, arrogant, haughty, superior, snooty, snobbish, or clannish manner;

Love is not rude and discourteous–it is not careless or thoughtless, nor does it carry on in a fashion that would be considered insensitive to others;

Love does not manipulate situations or scheme and devise methods that will twist situations to its own advantage;

Love does not deliberately engage in actions or speak words that are so sharp, they cause an ugly or violent response;

Love does not deliberately keep records of wrongs or past mistakes;

Love does not feel overjoyed when it sees an injustice done to someone else but is elated, thrilled, ecstatic, and overjoyed with the truth;

Love protects, shields, guards, covers, conceals, and safeguards people from exposure;

Love strains forward with all its might to believe the very best in every situation;

Love always expects and anticipates the best in others and the best for others;

Love never quits, never surrenders, and never gives up;

Love never disappoints, never fails, and never lets anyone down.”

AMEN! Here is Hillsong Worship with "Love On The Line":

Shalom in Him!