Rumination Journal

  The following is part 8 of  “ Love that Binds ”: “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.” —Matthew 5:44-45 A Radical Command Loving our enemies is one of the most challenging and transformative teachings of Jesus. It defies human logic and cultural norms, calling us to respond to hatred with love and to opposition with grace. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus elevates the standard of love, challenging His followers to embody the selfless love of God, who “causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good” (Matthew 5:45). This command is not about condoning wrongdoing or ignoring justice. Instead, it is about choosing to reflect God’s character, even in the face of hostility. Loving our enemies reveals the transformative power of God’s love in a broken world. Jesus’ Example of Loving Enemies Jesus did not just teach this principle—He lived it. He forgave those who mocked and crucified Him, prayi...

  The following is part 7 of  “ Love that Binds ”:   Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you. —Ephesians 4:32   The Power of Forgiveness Forgiveness is one of the most profound expressions of love. It is a gift that releases both the one who forgives and the one who is forgiven. Rooted in God’s grace, forgiveness allows us to reflect His character and build bridges of reconciliation in a broken world. In forgiving others, we mirror the mercy we have received from God. Jesus taught this truth in the Lord’s Prayer, saying, “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Matthew 6:12). Our willingness to forgive is both a response to God’s forgiveness and an act of love that heals relationships and honors Him.   Jesus’ Example of Forgiveness The life and ministry of Jesus are marked by acts of forgiveness. He forgave sinners, welcomed outcasts, and even forgave those who crucifie...

  The following is part 6 of  “ Love that Binds ”:     “Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth.” —1 John 3:18 The Call to Active Love Love is more than a feeling or a spoken affirmation—it is an action. Throughout Scripture, love is demonstrated in tangible ways, from God’s provision for His people to Jesus’ acts of healing, teaching, and sacrifice. The Apostle John’s exhortation reminds us that true love must be evident in our actions, rooted in sincerity and truth. Loving through action means stepping beyond good intentions. It involves actively seeking the good of others, meeting their needs, and reflecting God’s love in every interaction. It is in these moments of action that love becomes visible and transformative.   Jesus as the Ultimate Example Jesus embodied love in action. He fed the hungry, healed the sick, comforted the grieving, and extended grace to the outcast. His ministry was defined by comp...

The following is part 5 of  “ Love that Binds ”:     “But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?’” —Luke 10:29   The Question That Revealed a Kingdom Truth When an expert in the law asked Jesus to define the greatest commandment, he received a profound answer: Love God and love your neighbor as yourself. However, he followed up with a question: “Who is my neighbor?” In response, Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), a story that shattered cultural and social boundaries. Through this parable, Jesus redefined the concept of a neighbor, challenging His listeners to see others through the lens of compassion rather than convenience.   The Parable of the Good Samaritan In the story, a man is attacked by robbers and left for dead on the road. Both a priest and a Levite—a religious leader and a temple assistant—pass by without helping. However, a Samaritan, someone despised by the Jewish audience Je...

The following is part 4 of  “ Love that Binds ”:   We love because He first loved us. —1 John 4:19     The Source of Our Love   Loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind begins with trusting in His love for us. The Bible is clear: our ability to love comes directly from God’s love. Before we ever thought to seek Him, God sought us. Before we could respond to Him, He lavished His love on us.  The love of God is not conditional, fleeting, or limited. It is steadfast, eternal, and boundless. Romans 8:38-39 reassures us that nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus. This truth is the foundation of our faith and the wellspring of our love for Him.    Why Trusting God’s Love Matters   To love God fully, we must first believe in His unwavering love for us. Trusting His love means embracing the truth that He values, cares for, and delights in us—not because of anything we have done, but because of who...

The following is part 3 of  “ Love that Binds ”: As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul longs after You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, the living God. —Psalm 42:1-2 The Heart of Intimacy Loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind requires more than knowing about Him—it requires knowing Him personally. Intimacy with God is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey of growing closer to Him. This relationship is the wellspring of our love, fueling every aspect of our faith and life. The Bible is filled with imagery of closeness with God. From a shepherd tending his sheep (Psalm 23) to a father embracing his child (Luke 15:20), Scripture invites us to see God as Someone who desires an intimate relationship with us. This closeness is built on trust, communication, and time spent together. Building Intimacy Through Prayer Prayer is one of the most powerful ways to draw near to God. It is not merely a ritual or a list of requests; it is a conversation that...

The following is part 2 of  “ Love that Binds ”: Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.” —Matthew 22:37-38   Love as the Foundation What does it mean to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind? Jesus’ words invite us to a complete, wholehearted devotion that encompasses every part of our being. This commandment, drawn from Deuteronomy 6:5, places love at the very center of our relationship with God. It reminds us that God doesn’t desire a cold, mechanical obedience; He desires our love—authentic, unreserved, and alive. Loving God is not just a duty; it is a response to the profound truth that He first loved us. From the moment of creation to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, God’s love has pursued us. Our love for Him flows from our recognition of who He is and all He has done for us. Heart, Soul, and Mind To love God with all our heart,...

The Centrality of Love The world often feels fractured—divided by conflict, weighed down by injustice, and overwhelmed with uncertainty. Amid this discord, one truth shines with timeless clarity: love is the answer. Love is not just a fleeting emotion or a lofty ideal; it is the essence of God’s nature and the foundation of our faith. When asked to identify the greatest commandment, Jesus responded with simplicity and profundity: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” —Matthew 22:37-40 These words form the cornerstone of these next series of posts. They remind us that all of Scripture—its commands, promises, and teachings—find their fulfillment in love. Love for God, love for others, and yes, even love for ourselves. When we live in alignment with this truth,...