Daily Living Devotional

Are you loving others well?

The relationships God gives us are among life's greatest blessings, and love requires regular attention, presence, and care.

Scripture: Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

Scripture Reference: Matthew 22:37-40

Body Copy:

Douglas MacArthur II, nephew of the great General Douglas MacArthur, was an American statesman who served as Counselor to the State Department under Secretary of State John Foster Dulles.

MacArthur was known for being a particularly hard worker. Once when Secretary Foster called his home asking for Douglas, Mrs. MacArthur mistook him for an aide and snapped at him. She said, "Mr. MacArthur is where he always is - weekdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and nights - at his office!"

Within minutes, MacArthur got a telephone call at his office from Dulles, who told him, "Go home at once, boy. Your home front is crumbling!"

The most important part of our earthly lives is the relationships we have with those we love - our friends and our family. Yet too often, life distracts us from investing in those relationships. And when that happens, we miss out on the love and support from those God has placed in our lives.

Don't let life distract you from loving others. Make it a point to connect with those whom God has placed in your life regularly. It's one of life's greatest blessings!

Respond

Prayer Challenge

Pray that God would help you stay connected with those whom He's placed in your life - and to love them well!

Reflect

Questions for Thought

  1. Why do you think many relationships with friends and family tend to degrade over time?
  2. What are some practical steps you can take to maintain healthy relationships with others?