Marie’s daily verse: This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him (1 John 5:14-15).

DAILY DEVOTION, September 16, 2024

^“Love is the purpose of my command. Love comes from a pure heart. It comes from a good sense of what is right and wrong. It comes from faith that is honest and true” (I Timothy 1:5, NIV).

We can find solace in God’s word, which is unchanging and reliable. The Bible is a steadfast source of truth. Today’s verse unveils God’s plans for us, reassuring us. Paul succinctly outlines the purpose of God’s commands. First and foremost, God yearns for love to radiate from our lives, a love that stems from a pure heart. The more we allow God’s truth to permeate our hearts, the more loving we become.

Secondly, God wants us to be able to distinguish right from wrong. The sharper our vision of right and wrong, the better we can choose the right. Scripture is full of truths revealing what is right and wrong. God desires us to live righteous lives that reflect the right and reject the wrong.

Finally, God wants us to live by faith. Faith can be hypocritical. Just saying, “I believe” is not enough. Our faith must be honest and trustworthy. The few times we see righteous anger revealed in Jesus are when He addresses hypocrisy. It’s understandable if you sometimes struggle with this, as we all do. But remember, God is not looking for people who pretend to have faith. He wants our faith to be genuine—honest and trustworthy.

God’s goal is that our lives reflect love, righteousness, and faith. It is a tall order, but those who embrace God’s plan will find that the Holy Spirit helps them carry it out. This is not just for a select few but all seeking to follow God’s teachings.

Father, I want to live Your way, but I must confess there are times when I prefer my way. Forgive me and keep me on the right path. May my life increasingly show forth Your love, righteousness, and genuine faith. In Jesus’ name, I ask for this blessing in His name, Amen.