“There are two ways in which a practical moralist may attempt to displace from the human heart its love of the world – either by a demonstration of the world’s vanity, so as that the heart shall be prevailed upon simply to withdraw its regards from an object that is not worthy of it; or, by setting forth another object, even God, as more worthy of its attachment, so as that the heart shall be prevailed upon  … to exchange an old affection for a new one. [Because of] the constitution of our nature… the latter method will alone suffice for the rescue and recovery of the heart from the wrong affection that domineers over it.” Thomas Chalmers

“Christianity is the world’s great love religion. If you miss that, you miss its essence and will always end up emphasizing the wrong thing. The heart of its good news is that God comes to us as love, in love, for love, wooing us with love and working our transformation through love. … love is the strongest force in the universe. Gravity may hold planets in orbit and nuclear force may hold the atom together, but only love has the power to transform persons. Only love can soften a hard heart.  …There is nothing more important in life than learning to love and be loved. Jesus elevated love as the goal of spiritual transformation. Psychoanalysts consider it the capstone of psychological growth. Giving and receiving love is at the heart of being human. It is our raison d’être.” David Benner

“God is love, and all who live in love
live in God,
and God lives in them.”
1 John 4:16

 Moving From Head to Heart

• Reread Benner’s words thoughtfully. Is learning “to love and be loved” the most important thing in your life? Is love how you measure maturity? spirituality? success?
• “Hate sin more.”, “Love God more.” Which approach do you usually hear? Which approach do you usually take? What approach do you teach?
• What do you do on a daily or weekly basis to grow in your love for God and others? Do you have a specific plan? Do you have anyone journeying with you on that path?

Abba, may I surprise others with my love as you have surprised me with your love. May your love just change everything.

__________

For More: From Surrender to Love by David G. Benner

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These “Daily Riches” are for your encouragement as you seek God, and as he seeks you. My goal is to give you something of uncommon value each day in less than 400 words. I hope you’ll follow my blog, and share it. I appreciate your interest!  –  Bill (Psalm 90:14)

“There are two ways in which a practical moralist may attempt to displace from the human heart its love of the world – either by a demonstration of the world’s vanity, so as that the heart shall be prevailed upon simply to withdraw its regards from an object that is not worthy of it; or, by setting forth another object, even God, as more worthy of its attachment, so as that the heart shall be prevailed upon  … to exchange an old affection for a new one. [Because of] the constitution of our nature… the latter method will alone suffice for the rescue and recovery of the heart from the wrong affection that domineers over it.” Thomas Chalmers

“Christianity is the world’s great love religion. If you miss that, you miss its essence and will always end up emphasizing the wrong thing. The heart of its good news is that God comes to us as love, in love, for love, wooing us with love and working our transformation through love. … love is the strongest force in the universe. Gravity may hold planets in orbit and nuclear force may hold the atom together, but only love has the power to transform persons. Only love can soften a hard heart.  …There is nothing more important in life than learning to love and be loved. Jesus elevated love as the goal of spiritual transformation. Psychoanalysts consider it the capstone of psychological growth. Giving and receiving love is at the heart of being human. It is our raison d’être.” David Benner

“God is love, and all who live in love
live in God,
and God lives in them.”
1 John 4:16

 Moving From Head to Heart

• Is love the transforming power in your understanding and practice of spirituality? Do you measure your spirituality by your love?
• Hate sin more, or love God more. Which approach do you usually hear? do you usually take?
• What do you do on a daily or weekly basis to grow in your love for God? Is it working?

Abba, change everything by your love.

__________

For More: From Surrender to Love by David G. Benner

_________________________________________________

These “Daily Riches” are for your encouragement as you seek God, and as he seeks you. My goal is to give you something of uncommon value each day in less than 400 words. I hope you’ll follow my blog, and share it. I appreciate your interest!  –  Bill (Psalm 90:14)