February 14, 2024 -- Proverbs 14:14 -- Is your love faithful and faithfully expressed?

The backslider in heart will be filled with the fruit of his ways,
    and a good man will be filled with the fruit of his ways.
Proverbs 14:14 ESV

So many men will be lined up to buy flowers today, or candies, or jewelry for their significant other. They might be surprised at the recipient’s response—why today? What are you aiming at? What are you apologizing for? Seriously, just because it is Valentine’s Day you suddenly think you need to do this? The gift intended to be a sign of love (let’s be honest, for many of show of lusty intentions) is immediately questioned. The action of gift-giving is so out of character that the recipient is not sure of the motivation.

So too for a man in his walk with God. Are you consistent in prayers and Bible reading? Not because God demands it. Not because you are required to do so, but because it is part of your character, part of the beauty and joy of walking in relationship with the Living God. Are you faithful in going to church, where His word is proclaimed and His love for You is declared? He has demonstrated His steadfast love in this, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). One who is lax in his expressions of love towards God is a backslider. Such a man is himself confused by his intermittent expressions of devotion to God while on the other hand he is regularly expressing his selfish desires as he lives his egocentric way of life

Meanwhile, the man who is good, as is defined by God—who walks humbly, is contrite (quick to confess his faults and sins) and trembles at God’s word, (Isaiah 66:2)—will regularly express his joyful devotion to God in thanksgiving for the accomplished, reconciling work of Jesus. It is a pattern of living that continually bears the spiritual fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

Faithful Father in heaven, Your word is so penetratingly accurate, “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one” (Romans 3:10-12). Therefore Your love is extravagant beyond comprehension. You do not leave the wicked in the sludge of their sins, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by His grace as a gift through redemption that is in Christ Jesus, Whom God put forward as a propitiation by His blood to be received by faith (Romans 3:23-25). Mighty Spirit, move us to be faithful and consistent in our service to Jesus Christ so that our lives are lived as an offering of praise to our Heavenly Father. Amen.

https://youtu.be/KLTu1xv2-Us?si=Z54Ndl8wxTALvlLm “Oh, the Deep Love”

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