Walk in Love

The love of God is something that God has freely given to us. Don’t ever forget that God loves you. No matter what walk of life you came from or are in, His love is sure and unchanging. He loves us so much that He gave His beloved son for us.

God made it possible for us to walk in that same kind of love toward one another. We should look out for each other, only wanting the best for one another. If any one of us needs prayer or just someone to talk to and be with, we ought to be there in a split second. A hug or a smile can mean so much in the eyes of one who needs it that day. Sometimes the presence of another can mean more than words. We ought to help one another to be the best child of God they can be in this life. We should stick together, come rain or high water.

“As the Father hath loved Me, so have I loved you: continue in My love. If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love; even as I have kept My Father’s commandments, and abide in His love. These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is My commandment, That ye love one another as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:9-13 King James Version).

His Word also instructs us to “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour” (Eph. 5:1-2 K.J.V.). If I am a follower of God as a dear child, walking in love should be a priority in my life.

Going ABOUND truly was an unforgettable experience. It was a great opportunity to apply the things we’ve learned from His Word throughout the year.

“And above all these things put on the love of God, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him” (Colossians 3:14-17 K.J.V.).

We got to see the operation of the members of the one body, the body of Christ, go into motion. Encouraging each other to move forward up the mountain and building each other up with love along the way. The love in the hearts and eyes of my brothers while we were out in the wilderness is indescribable.

There is nothing better than knowing that God loves you and has your back, as well as your brothers and sisters in Christ. When I was climbing the side of a mountain, I didn’t have time to question God’s ability to provide strength for me. I knew it, and I couldn’t have done it without the loving encouragement of my beloved brothers, also knowing others at home were praying for me. As I did what seemed to be impossible, God was reassuring in His ability to make sure that I got to the top. Every one of us accomplished this and other tasks because God promises in His Word that “…in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him That loved us” (Romans 8:37 K.J.V.). Victor also reminded us of an important point as we made our way to Sunset Peek, “Yes, you ‘can do all things’, but don’t forget it’s ‘through HIM WHO strengthens you’” (Philippians 4:13 K.J.V.). What a loving exhortation to the body of Christ.

When we face challenges in our lives, we ought to remember that we are strengthened by God. We need to continue to encourage one another with the wonderful Word of God and walk in love toward one another.

This year truly was amazing. It is evident in my eyes that God’s love for us never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8 K.J.V.). As we strive to be followers of God, our love for one another should never fail.

Sincerely,

Ivana Luna

“We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the love of God of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth” (2 Thessalonians 1:3 K.J.V.).