“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His faithful love endures forever.”
Psalm 136:1 CSB
SEEK HIM: Devotion is Meeting with God in Our Own Lives!
The world offers all kinds of gifts labeled “love,” but God’s faithful love is entirely unique. As we continue to look at “The Gifts of Christmas” this holiday season, let’s examine His gift of love and seek the Lord about how He loves us! (For some background thoughts and encouragement, start with listening to this podcast episode HERE.)
WHAT: What is God saying through this Scripture?
God is good, and He gives really good gifts. We can see His generosity in so many ways, in the earth and skies as well as in our lives. God’s greatest gift is His love, which never, ever stops. The people of Israel rejoiced in this, as the leaders would proclaim Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, and then name a way that God helped them and showed them His love. After each gift, the people would respond: His faithful love endures forever. ~ What are some gifts you’ve received that have quit, stopped working, or been broken? Name some ways God has helped you. What’s one thing you can thank God for right now?
WHY: Why does this Scripture matter?
While other gifts in our lives wear out or break, God’s Word says that His love always lasts. Scripture says, “Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life…” (Psalm 23:6a NIV). Every single day, God’s love follows us, and not just at Christmas, but into the new year and beyond. Long after even the best presents are forgotten, the gift of God’s love will still be ours to keep and enjoy. ~ Can you imagine fifty years from now? What does it feel like to know that even years from today, God will still be loving you?
HOW: How does God want us to respond to this truth?
The Apostle Paul reminds us, “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children, and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us…” (Ephesians 5:1-2 NIV). Because God loves us, we can love others. In fact, “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19 NIV). As we unwrap His gift of love in our own lives, we can share it with others, at Christmastime and always! ~ What about God’s example of love stands out to you? What is one way you walk in the way of love? How did Jesus love us? How can you do this for someone else?
SPEAK HIM: Discipleship is Making God Known to Others!
As we lead others in Devotion Driven Discipleship conversations about God’s love, Psalm 136 is an example for how to lead others to talk about His love. Count how many times this chapter says, “His faithful love endures forever.” Then, with those entrusted to you, talk about different ways He has shown you His love by sharing your “Jesus Stories” with one another. After each example, repeat the refrain, “His faithful love endures forever.” This is a powerful way to “Seek Him Speak Him”!
