Deer Stand Devotionals: Is Your Love Showing?

I had a horrible dream last night. When I woke up, I was really bothered by it, because in my dream, my ugly sin nature showed up. More on that in a bit.

This week at detention center I was given a really nice compliment by one of the detention center staff who has been around as long as I have. He has watched my ministry there, he has seen how our church has loved and welcomed the youth, and he said, "You guys operate how Christians are supposed to. You exemplify the love of Christ."

That was super encouraging to hear. I also found it ironic in a way because earlier in the week, I had just read this verse: 

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. John 13:34-35

One chapter later, Jesus would instruct His disciples, "If you love me, keep my commandments." (John 14:15)

Love one another. It's a simple instruction, but one that as human beings, we naturally struggle with. We are naturally selfish and self-centered, and need to learn to love one another. 

Spend a few minutes on social media, and it will quickly become obvious that there is a shortage of Christians truly showing the love of Christ. 

The reason my dream bothered me so much this morning was because in it, I really told someone off in a line. I don't remember the setting or situation, just that there was a line that wasn't moving (you know how dreams go). I told someone off, and walked away. Rounding the corner, I came face to face with my pastor, and struck up a conversation like nothing had just happened. Unfortunately the person I had just told off had followed me, recognized my pastor, and well, lets just say it wasn't pretty. 

But that's the real me inside. Capable of acting that way. I can't truthfully say, "Oh that wasn't me."

How do we counteract it? Love God. Walk in the Spirit. It has to be an everyday decision to love God and love others. 

As much as that dream bothered me this morning, it was a great reminder after the great compliment I received earlier in the week. Do the people I interact with on a daily basis see the love of God by how I treat them? 

Is your love for God showing?