Living in Increase (Part 11) - Increase in JoySample

Freedom to Love

Thank God we are free. We are free from bondage, laws, legalism, and confusion when we put God first. Our first commandment is to love God. That means spending time with Him, praying and talking to Him, listening to Him by reading His Word, praising Him, and worshiping Him.

Our second commandment is to love others. This means putting others first. It is a simple concept but hard to execute, and every day brings new challenges. Our flesh is naturally selfish, and the world is ready to indulge our fleshly desires. For instance, when you are tired, your body and mind are weak, and you want to get home and rest, but someone in your life calls you for help. Maybe they need you to pick something up for them, or they need a shoulder to cry on. Your body says, “Ugh…I want to go home and rest,” but your spirit says, “Go help.” How often does your flesh win that internal struggle? On the contrary, how frequently do you feel renewed when you listen to your spirit?

When we put our feelings aside and serve others, we love them. This reinforces our freedom in Christ because we are keeping His commandments. When we sacrifice for others humbly, we are blessed with increased joy.

Monica Barnes

Action Step: Don’t miss an opportunity this week to love your neighbor as yourself. Choose to serve someone when it’s inconvenient for you.