The Only Thing That Counts

The New International Version of the Bible says, "The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love" (Galatians 5:8). This verse reminds me of what Jesus said to Martha: "You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her" (Luke 10:41-41, NIV). What was Jesus referring to? He was saying that Mary was spending time with Him, learning from Him, and enjoying a personal relationship with Him. This is the essence of love--the only thing that counts, the "most excellent way" (1 Corinthians 12:31).

Knowing that God loves you is the most important fact in the universe. He loves you with an everlasting love. Paul writes, "And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us" (Romans 5:8, NIV). Yes, there's a clear connection between love and hope as well as love and faith; we see this in 1 Corinthians 13: "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love" (1 Corinthians 13:13, NIV). Let the Holy Spirit pour out His love into your heart.

Jesus said, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it; Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments" (Matthew 22:37-40, NIV). I thank Jesus for helping us to see that the Christian life is always centered on love. It's true that love is the only thing that counts, that love is the most excellent way, that love is the greatest quality of all, and that love is the fulfillment of God's law. When we are coming from love, it is certain that we will obey the Lord. Jesus said, "If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love" (John 15:9, NIV).

Therefore, "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love" (1 John 4:7-8, NIV). Remember this as you endeavor to walk in love: those who are the hardest to love probably need it the most.

God loves you!

God loves you. May you experience His love more and more each day.