Today’s thoughts are by Julie Wicker

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭22‬:‭37‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — 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. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

This week we are meditating on the Fruit of the Spirit. The fruits of the Holy Spirit are nine observable attributes that reflect the character of God. Found in the Bible (Galatians 5:22-23), they act as the visible evidence of a person’s spiritual growth and connection to Christ. These traits — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control — grow naturally as a unified whole in a believer’s life. 

Today we are focusing on love. Our number one job as water walkers and disciples is to love. The above verse from Matthew is a command to not only love God and our neighbors but to also love ourselves. 

You should always remember to love yourself  just as God loves you. What greater way to understand the love of God than from John 3:16 NIV — For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

I encourage you to worship with God Is Love by Katy Nichole. Some of the lyrics sing, “Oh it’s faithful through my failures. This trusted love is with me till the end.” God will never give up on you so don’t give up on yourself. How will you show yourself and others God’s love as you walk on water?

If you don’t know the love of God for yourself, I encourage you to check out our Steps to Peace on waterwalkers29.com.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for always loving me no matter my failures. Help me to show myself and others that same unconditional love. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

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