Love is a Behavior

5/6/15

- Do you really love someone? Let's see how you act toward that person.

- God commands us to love each other. And you can't command an emotion.

- The Bible says, "Let us stop just saying we love each other; let us really show it by our actions." (1 John 3:18 NLT) 

- Our love is revealed in how we act toward them.

- Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. (1 John 3:18 NLT)

S: May the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.” (Ruth 2:12 NLT)

“The LORD bless you, my daughter!” Boaz exclaimed. “You are showing even more family loyalty now than you did before, for you have not gone after a younger man, whether rich or poor. Now don’t worry about a thing, my daughter. I will do what is necessary, for everyone in town knows you are a virtuous woman. (Ruth 3:10-11 NLT)

Then the elders and all the people standing in the gate replied, “We are witnesses! May the LORD make this woman who is coming into your home like Rachel and Leah, from whom all the nation of Israel descended! May you prosper in Ephrathah and be famous in Bethlehem. And may the LORD give you descendants by this young woman who will be like those of our ancestor Perez, the son of Tamar and Judah.” (Ruth 4:11-12 NLT)

Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the LORD tested Joseph’s character. (Psalms 105:19 NLT)

O: Ruth's actions of love through commitment to Naomi has drawn her under the wings of God. She is shown favor and Boaz recognizes how God is blessing her. Her loyalty has cast all her worries away and everyone knew she was virtuous. Seldomly did she use words. Her behavior toward Naomi shined therefore God revealed her selflessness to all. The elders bless her womb and pray the Lord birth thru her a nation as Rachel and Leah had done. Through her commitment to her mother in law the elders knew she would be as committed, if not more committed, to Boaz. 

A: It's interesting how love is described as an  act of obedience and also a part of ones behavior. For choosing to love is a character trait of God and if I am to be in his character, I must choose love to the extent of Ruth. Obeying every word of God with no hesitation or doubt. It is then that my favor would elude me and people would see the blessings of God. It's not in what I say, it's in what I do.

P: Your favor over me is transcendent. You are wonderful and glorious! How great and how awesome are you oh Lion of Judah. I praise you for all that you are teaching me. My your spirt fall. May you dwell in my decision making and forgive me for being more concerned about depositing the money over observing its importance. May the events of this weekend transform me. I choose you. I choose to love through being committed. May doors continue to open for your will to be accomplished through me. You are sovereign and gracious. Thank you for always loving me. In Jesus name, amen.