Dear Readers in Christ, "Draw near to GOD, and He will draw near to you" (James 4:8).

Saturday 2 March 2013

An Evening Digest - 10 Benefits Of Walking In The Love Of God

Article Written By Ngozi Nwoke

God has not called people to seek Him in vain. It pays to walk in love in obedience to God's word. Walking in the love of God not only gives you eternal life in heaven but also great earthly benefits. These benefits are very vital if you are to enjoy victory and success in life.
For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome - 1 John 5:3 (NKJV)

In that I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, His statutes, and His judgments, that you may live and multiply; and the Lord your God will bless you in the land which you go to possess – Deuteronomy 30:16 (NKJV)

Walking in the love of God is to walk in the commands of God, in obedience to His words. God is love and everyone born of God is expected to love, because it is a proof that you know God. God called us to bless us and so as you obey Him you enjoy the benefits that go with obedience to God.

Benefits of walking in love:

Blessings : Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the Lord your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God – Deuteronomy 28:1-2 (NKJV)

Walk in love and you will attract God's blessings to yourself. It is automatic such that when you love your neighbour as Jesus loves, showers of blessings are released to you. Therefore, if you want to experience God's awesome blessings, the best thing to do is to love unconditionally.

Identification with Jesus : A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another – John 13:34-35 (NKJV)

You are identified with Jesus when you walk in love. Love is the symbol of Christianity. The summary of the New Testament is to love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and to love your neighbour as yourself. Obeying this command, distinguishes you as a follower of Christ.

Destruction of fear and torments : There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love – 1 John 4:18 (NKJV)
A man who walks in iniquity has every reason to fear and to be tormented but not someone who is walking in love. He is clean before God and man, and so is entitled to God's protection over his life and all that belongs to him. He will not need to fear neither will he be tormented since God is on his side: for if God be for you who can be against you.

Perfection of love : "Herein is our love made perfect..."1 John 4:17 (NKJV)
As the saying goes, "Practice makes perfect", walking in love perfects your love. The more you show love to people, the easier it becomes and the more you desire to extend your love to many others.

Duplication of Jesus on earth : Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world – 1 John 4:17 (NKJV)
Perfected love causes us to live like Jesus in this world. That means to live a life of victory, success and abundance; a life void of sickness and diseases, and a life filled with joy and peace, etc. Therefore, you don't have to wait till you get to heaven to be like Jesus. Walking in the love of God confers that honour to you.

Confidence on the day of judgement : In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him – 1 John 4:17 (NIV)

A walk in love builds up the confidence that you will be accepted by God on the day of judgement: you will be at peace, without shame and reproach. You will not be afraid of death because you are sure of eternity with Jesus.

God's presence : Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him – John 14:23 (NKJV)
You are a carrier of God's presence when you walk in the love of God. Both Jesus and the father make their home with you when you are walking in love. And when you have God's presence victory is assured.
 

Joy and pleasure : You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore – Psalm 16:11 (NKJV)
Joy and pleasure are also benefits of walking in love. You experience joy when you show love to another person. Also you are pleased being a contributor to the destines of many other people.

Answered prayers : If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you – John 15:7 (NIV)
Those who walk in love, in obedience to God's word also receive answered prayers. God's ears are open to their prayers because they please Him.
 

Contentment : Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." – Hebrews 13:5 (NKJV)

The love of God will constrain you from covetousness. You will be contented with what you have knowing that walking in obedience to God's word compels His blessings towards you. Therefore, what you don't have presently you know you will have when the need arises.

God has commanded us to walk in love and He is committed to blessing everyone who obeys this instruction. The above benefits can be yours if you obey the command to love. And as you do that your future is secured for the better.


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