Love | Pastor Zac Bayless
Sunday, May 11, 2025
Day 1: Abiding in God's Love
Reading: John 15:1-11
Devotional: Jesus uses the metaphor of a vine and branches to illustrate our relationship with Him. Just as branches can't bear fruit unless they remain connected to the vine, we can't produce spiritual fruit apart from Christ. Today, reflect on what it means to "abide" in Jesus. How can you intentionally stay connected to Him throughout your day? Remember, it's not about striving or working harder, but about resting in His love and allowing His life to flow through you. As you abide in Christ, ask Him to produce His love in and through you.
Day 2: Unconditional Love
Reading: Romans 5:6-11
Devotional: Paul reminds us that God demonstrated His love for us while we were still sinners. This is the essence of agape love - unconditional, sacrificial, and not based on our performance. Take a moment to let this truth sink in: God loves you not because of what you've done, but because of who He is. How does this change your perspective on your relationship with God? With others? Today, ask God to help you grasp the depth of His love for you and to empower you to extend that same unconditional love to those around you, even those who are difficult to love.
Day 3: The Fruit of the Spirit
Reading: Galatians 5:16-26
Devotional: The fruit of the Spirit is not a checklist of behaviors to achieve, but evidence of the Holy Spirit's work in our lives. Notice how love is listed first - it's the core fruit from which all others flow. As you read through the list, which aspects of the fruit do you see growing in your life? Which areas need more development? Remember, this fruit is not produced by your own efforts, but by abiding in Christ. Today, invite the Holy Spirit to cultivate His fruit in your life, focusing especially on areas where you struggle.
Day 4: Love as Evidence of Discipleship
Reading: John 13:34-35
Devotional: Jesus gives us a new commandment - to love one another as He has loved us. This love is meant to be the distinguishing mark of His disciples. Reflect on how your love for others, especially fellow believers, demonstrates your relationship with Christ. Are there ways you can more intentionally show Christ's love to those around you? Consider one practical step you can take today to love someone in a way that reflects Jesus' love for you.
Day 5: Transformational Love
Reading: 1 John 4:7-21
Devotional: John emphasizes that God is love and that His love transforms us. As we experience God's love, we're empowered to love others. This passage also reminds us that perfect love casts out fear. Consider areas in your life where fear might be hindering your ability to love fully. How can abiding in God's perfect love help you overcome these fears? Today, ask God to fill you afresh with His love and to help you see others through His eyes of love.
Reading: John 15:1-11
Devotional: Jesus uses the metaphor of a vine and branches to illustrate our relationship with Him. Just as branches can't bear fruit unless they remain connected to the vine, we can't produce spiritual fruit apart from Christ. Today, reflect on what it means to "abide" in Jesus. How can you intentionally stay connected to Him throughout your day? Remember, it's not about striving or working harder, but about resting in His love and allowing His life to flow through you. As you abide in Christ, ask Him to produce His love in and through you.
Day 2: Unconditional Love
Reading: Romans 5:6-11
Devotional: Paul reminds us that God demonstrated His love for us while we were still sinners. This is the essence of agape love - unconditional, sacrificial, and not based on our performance. Take a moment to let this truth sink in: God loves you not because of what you've done, but because of who He is. How does this change your perspective on your relationship with God? With others? Today, ask God to help you grasp the depth of His love for you and to empower you to extend that same unconditional love to those around you, even those who are difficult to love.
Day 3: The Fruit of the Spirit
Reading: Galatians 5:16-26
Devotional: The fruit of the Spirit is not a checklist of behaviors to achieve, but evidence of the Holy Spirit's work in our lives. Notice how love is listed first - it's the core fruit from which all others flow. As you read through the list, which aspects of the fruit do you see growing in your life? Which areas need more development? Remember, this fruit is not produced by your own efforts, but by abiding in Christ. Today, invite the Holy Spirit to cultivate His fruit in your life, focusing especially on areas where you struggle.
Day 4: Love as Evidence of Discipleship
Reading: John 13:34-35
Devotional: Jesus gives us a new commandment - to love one another as He has loved us. This love is meant to be the distinguishing mark of His disciples. Reflect on how your love for others, especially fellow believers, demonstrates your relationship with Christ. Are there ways you can more intentionally show Christ's love to those around you? Consider one practical step you can take today to love someone in a way that reflects Jesus' love for you.
Day 5: Transformational Love
Reading: 1 John 4:7-21
Devotional: John emphasizes that God is love and that His love transforms us. As we experience God's love, we're empowered to love others. This passage also reminds us that perfect love casts out fear. Consider areas in your life where fear might be hindering your ability to love fully. How can abiding in God's perfect love help you overcome these fears? Today, ask God to fill you afresh with His love and to help you see others through His eyes of love.