Freely Speaking Audio Devotions

Welcome to Freely Speaking, an OHSOFREE devotional ministry where we share our hearts and trust God for transformation.

Today’s devotion is written by Chelsea Durre.

Our verse for today is “If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them” (Luke 6:32 ESV).

Think back to a moment when you experienced treatment from someone that really tested your self-control. Maybe they were rude, said something unkind, or betrayed you by sharing a personal secret you entrusted them with. Whatever the situation, perhaps you failed in your response to them, or maybe you succeeded by extending grace and forgiveness allowing God to handle the rest. Despite the outcome, it won’t be the last time you experience this, God may even test you as you grow in your relationship with Him, refining your branches so you bear good fruit.

In Luke 6:32, God tells us that even sinners love those who love them. As Christians, how are we to be set apart if we are doing the same thing sinners do? 1 Corinthians 13:13 (ESV) states, “So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” God tells us in this verse just how powerful love is.

In our hurt, we often respond to others with sin instead of love. At least in the past, in my brokenness, this has been the case for me. When people are unkind to us, our flesh wants to respond in anger. It ruminates on the hurt, and if we let him, the enemy runs with that.

As I’ve grown in my walk with the Lord, I have learned to come to Him humbly by praying for His help in those moments. We tend to think we are better than we are and focus on our own hurt. How quickly we forget that we have caused hurt to others, too. I believe that humility and grace are the keys to loving others well.

This week, ask God to help you respond in love when someone is unkind to you, and remember, His power is made perfect in your weakness.

Thank you for joining us today. If you would like to learn more about OhSoFree Ministries, please visit us at www.ohsofreeministries.com