The Upward Look
© Copyright 2007, Max D. Hutto,

“And we have this command from Him: the one who loves God must also love his brother.”
   1 John 4:21 HCSB ©

God has given us a command to love Him and love others. This is not a “suggestion,” or “if you feel like it” statement. It is a command from the Almighty, All-powerful Lord God. He has the authority as God, and He demands that we love Him and love others. This love for God is a complete trust and a loyal obedience that glorifies and honors Him. This love for others is a selfless desire and benevolent compassion for the well-being of another. This love is an act of the will not the emotions. One chooses to love, and one must choose to love God and others.

Lord Jesus, I do love You. Help me to show that love by obeying Your commands and showing concern and compassion for others.

* (footnotes & credits)

NASB ©
The Bible quotes marked NASB are from the New American Standard Bible,
© Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977,
by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA. (used with permission)

HCSB ©
The Bible quotes marked HCSB are from the Holman Christian Standard Bible,
© Copyright 2000 by Holman Bible Publishers (used with permission).

NIV ©
The Bible quotes marked NIV are from the New International Version,
© Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, by The International Bible Society. (used with permission)