Abstracts—Assisted Loving
Last time I brought you good news about our faith—it’s the same faith that called a polytheist to father an entire civilization and religion. But those feel like large shoes to fill. Have you ever felt like you should “be there by now” when it comes to your faith? Perhaps you feel that loving God and finding faith should be easier after all this time and His good works. But the truth is, we are completely unable to love God wholeheartedly by our own accord. That’s why Francis Chan suggests that we require God’s help to love Him fully. So, approach Him (cf. Matt 7:7-11, Jas 1:5).
“And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.”- 1 Corinthians 13:2
So, you’re ready to have Abrahamic faith. Fantastic! Remember that nothing we do on our own that can bring us to that faith. It is by Jesus alone, who is our Way, Truth, and Life (cf. Jn 14:6). We’re told that God is love, that we can drink of God if we’re rooted in Him.
“He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.” - Psalm 1:3
So, approach Him (cf. Matt 7:7-11, Jas 1:5). He’s willing to help build you up, produce steadfastness and wisdom and good fruit (cf. Gal 5:22-23, Jas 1:4) Take refuge in the peace He gives. He came to save, love, and to serve, not to make you feel guilty for some preconceived requirement of how loving Him should look like (cf. Jn 3:17). Instead, let Him help you do what you desire the most—to love Him (cf. Ps 5:11).