— From the distaff side —

Transforming Love

Humanly speaking, love is a deep, affectionate feeling based largely upon the appearance, behavior and/or attributes of the focus of that love.  But in its purest form, love has nothing to do with the recipient and everything to do with the Giver, God, Who Himself is love (1John 4:8,16).  It is revealed by His Word, His deeds and works through His people (Jn 7:38,39).  Lavishly He pours it out on all — saved or not, for that is His very nature (Mt 5:44,48).  Creation all but shouts of it and love is the reason He so bountifully provides for man’s needs.  His love has profound substance as demonstrated by sending Jesus (God in the flesh) to earth to suffer and die on the cross for our sins.  Human love may affect the beloved — but God’s love transforms them.

“Sounds great, but how can I get in on it?” is a common question.  By the same mechanism we’re born-again: we believe, receive and act on it by faith.  Scripture reveals that God loves us — so we act accordingly.  And don’t be deceived; difficult people and circumstances are not an excuse.  In fact, they’re often the very elements God uses to test our trust.  Trial-by-trial, for many years as a Christian wife and mother, I’ve been learning that God is love and faithful because of it (Is 3:6; Heb 13:8).  His love never fails!  Regardless of my own weaknesses, failures and sin, His transforming love is always available and able to change me.  Ugly strongholds of unbelief, pride, unforgiveness, anger, bitterness and hatred all give way as I yield to that love.  So God is to all — including yourself.  (Ps 103:1-5; Jn 3:16,17; 15:12,13; 1Jn 4:9-13)

What joy we discover as we trustingly allow the King of Love to take His rightful place on the throne of our heart!  There is no greater fulfillment and joy than living day-by-day in the absolute knowledge of His love; that conviction alone can transform us.  He’s the only One Who can cleanse, heal and change us!  His love shining through us is also a compelling witness to the world that God is real in all His power and glory.  (2Cor 3:18; Acts 17:28)

Let us ever pray: "That He would grant us, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in our hearts by faith; that we, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that we might be filled with all the fulness of God.  Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end" (Eph 3:16-21).  Amen!  — D.

ABOUT US:  Founded in 1993, Hallelujah Living Ministries is a donation-based, non-denominational Christian outreach to uplift, inform and challenge followers of Jesus Christ.  For more information or a copy of our always-free print newsletter, please include a  postal mail address along with your comments and prayer requests. Thank you for visiting  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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