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Date with Destiny Devotional

Abingdon Press

Chapter One

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. —1 John 4:7-8 NIV

When two people who love God come together, there is an assumption that His love toward them is the guiding paradigm by which they love each other. We should think of "love" as a verb, an action word that is best demonstrated through our behavior toward each other. When we share intimately with God, He teaches us the very essence of love. God cannot be separated from love, and love cannot be separated from Him.

If we learn to love as He loves, we are bound to that love even when disagreements arise. When two imperfect people get together there are bound to be some trying times. Trying times should not break you; they should make you better. They should move you to a deeper sense of commitment. Embrace the challenge and know that with God's love you will prevail.

Love is deeper than a feeling. Feelings are fleeting and inconsistent. Emotions have their place; however, it is so important that you not only feel love but also understand its true nature. God is the knowledge of love. To know Him is to know Love. You cannot adequately love your mate if you do not know God.

Love is based on knowledge. It is the kind of knowledge that wills itself to love beyond shortcomings and failures. God loves us, knowing everything about us. Isn't that amazing? He loves us, knowing what He knows. God loves us because He sees the potential that is within us. When others write us off, He yet believes in what is possible in and through us. When a couple moves toward destiny, they are vowing to love each other despite the challenges and struggles that lie ahead. A couple of destiny focuses more on the potential than on the problems.

In your relationship there will be many days you just don't feel like focusing on potential. So there has to be something concrete behind your feelings. Your commitment to each other and to God helps you through the difficult times. You've got to have something real that can stand the test of time. You've got to resolve in your spirit that the love of God in you is evidence of your relationship with God. Now it is your chance to demonstrate that love to each other.

LET'S PRAY Lord, thank You for loving us and helping us love each other. Please look upon us with Your divine favor and give us the knowledge that can come only from You; in Jesus' name. Amen.

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Excerpted from Date with Destiny Devotionalby Joseph W Walker III Copyright © 2011 by The United Methodist Publishing House. Excerpted by permission of Abingdon Press. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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