In Touch - Jan. 10, 2011
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- 2011 Jan 10
January 10
Our Love Life
God's love is without limit, but that doesn't mean His children have no boundaries. While the world argues that Christianity's rules stifle the individual, any good parent will attest that setting limits is part of caring for one's kids. And so is continuing to love them when they break the rules.
This may bring two questions to mind:
• Why does the Lord have so many rules?
Scriptural principles are designed to protect us and bring peace. But God does not force obedience. The Bible neither says nor implies that we have to live up to the Ten Commandments or the Sermon on the Mount in order to be loved. God's children discover that following those rules is the path to joy, security, and a sense of well-being. In contrast, disobedience brings heartache and suffering into one's life.
• What happens when I sin?
Our obedience is not required for God to love us. He cares for even the most evil and murderous man, which means that no one is able to sin beyond the Lord's redemptive grace. He will always forgive. But do not fall for the opposite error either. Grace is not a license to sin. God allows us to experience the consequences of wrongdoing. That's what a loving parent does to be sure a child learns the value of doing right.
God loves without condition. To show His great care, He gave solid principles on which people are to build their lives. His affection is in no way diminished toward those who ignore biblical rules, but His heart is grieved by their defiance. He delights in believers who seek and follow His will (1 Thess. 4:1).
For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit www.intouch.org.
Watch Online Videos of Dr. Charles Stanley and In Touch Ministries at LightSource.com
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Listen to Dr. Charles Stanley Online Broadcasts at OnePlace.com.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc. © 2009 All Rights Reserved.
