06/17/24
By Pastor Vinnie Cappetta
"Measuring Your Love for God: Your Personal Trainer"
Let’s take a moment to reflect on where we have journeyed in the past several devotionals. Consider these questions:
- Do you recognize God for who He is in your life right now?
- Do you give Him the affection He deserves?
- Do you always treat His name with respect?
- Do you consistently observe holy times of rest?
Loving God is not always an easy task. These questions are challenging because each day we battle our old nature, which resists loving God. Training ourselves to love God is a continuous effort. But where do we find the instruction we need to love God as we should?
We receive this guidance from our personal trainer, the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit as Our Guide
Jesus introduces the Holy Spirit in John 14:16 as the Comforter. When we fall short in our love for God, the Holy Spirit, living within us, gently reassures us and helps us get back on track.
In John 14:17, Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit as the Spirit of Truth. It is the Spirit's role to reveal our impure motives, guiding us to love God sincerely.
In the concluding words of John 14:21, Jesus promises, “Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.” The term “manifest” means to make evident or clear. When we love God with all our hearts, Jesus makes Himself known to us, deepening our understanding of Him and His Father.
A Story of Guidance and Transformation
I recently read a story that beautifully illustrates the profound impact of the Holy Spirit as our personal trainer. The story was about a man named David, who struggled for years with truly loving God. Despite his best efforts, he often felt distant and unworthy.
One evening, feeling particularly lost, David decided to go for a walk. As he strolled through the park, he noticed an old man sitting on a bench, reading his Bible. Intrigued, David approached him and struck up a conversation.
The old man, sensing David's inner turmoil, shared his own story of struggle and redemption. He explained how he had once been in a similar place, feeling disconnected and unworthy. But everything changed when he began to seek the Holy Spirit's guidance earnestly. He started each day with a simple prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to lead him, to reveal his shortcomings, and to help him love God more deeply.
Over time, the old man found that his heart began to change. He started to recognize God's presence in everyday moments, showing affection through worship and prayer, respecting God's name in all conversations, and observing a Sabbath rest to reconnect with the Creator.
Inspired by this testimony, David decided to follow the same path. He committed to daily prayers, seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance. Slowly but surely, he began to notice changes. His love for God grew stronger, his faith deepened, and he felt a peace he had never known before.
Practical Steps to Measure Your Love for God
- Recognize God in Your Life: Spend time in prayer and reflection, acknowledging God’s presence and sovereignty in your daily life.
- Express Affection: Engage in worship and personal devotions, showing your love and gratitude to God.
- Respect His Name: Be mindful of how you speak about God and ensure that your language reflects your reverence for Him.
- Observe Rest: Dedicate regular time for rest and reflection, honoring Sabbaths as holy times to reconnect with God.
Reflection and Application
Why not jot down these questions and revisit them weekly to see how you are doing in your journey of loving God? Reflect on your progress and ask the Holy Spirit to help you grow in these areas.
- How have you recognized God in your life this week?
- In what ways have you shown affection to God?
- Have you been mindful of treating God’s name with respect?
- How have you observed holy times of rest?
Remember, loving God is a journey. It requires daily dedication and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. By consistently measuring our love for God through these questions and reflections, we can grow closer to Him and experience His love more deeply.
