"The way we can be sure of our knowledge of [Jesus] is to keep His commandments" (1 Jn 2:3). The summary (Rm 13:9) and "fulfillment" (Gal 5:14) of all the commandments is to love our neighbor as ourselves (Lk 10:27). Nonetheless, we can't love until we first receive God's love (1 Jn 4:19). Moreover, we can't receive God's love if we love the world, that system which operates irrespective of Jesus' Lordship.
Therefore, we must "have no love for the world, nor the things that the world affords. If anyone loves the world, the Father's love has no place in him" (1 Jn 2:15). If we are set upon the things of this world, we are enemies of the cross (Phil 3:18-19). If we compromise with the world and make friends with it, we make ourselves God's enemies (Jas 4:4).
Accordingly, at the cross we must be crucified to the world and the world to us (Gal 6:14). Otherwise we don't receive God's love and therefore don't give it. We disobey the Lord's commandment to love, and this prevents us from having a personal relationship with Jesus. Love for the world robs us of salvation and eternal happiness.
| PRAYER: | Father, fill me with Your love as I empty myself of the things that the world affords (1 Jn 2:16). |
| PROMISE: | "She was constantly in the temple, worshipping day and night in fasting and prayer. Coming on the scene at this moment, she gave thanks to God and talked about the Child to all who looked forward to the deliverance of Jerusalem." –Lk 2:37-38 |
| PRAISE: | After encountering Jesus, Lyla turned off her TV and turned on worship music. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College