God expe

God expects believers to change from being self-centered to being Christ-centered.

Just how does one make all of the changes the Bible requires once we are saved?  The Bible makes very clear the importance of faith, hope and love in our lives.  The greatest of these three is love.  Let’s look at what God says we are to do to live as a Christian.

I  Corinthian 13:4 – 7 – “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

Let’s start with the greatest change we need to make and that is to learn to love. Scripture tells us we must love unconditionally without expecting anything in return. It is easy to love when we expect our love to be beneficial to us. However, that is not what God expects. So what does Scripture say about love? We are told love is being patient with people but not necessarily with the normal events in our lives. We know that we must be kind in dealing with people. If we are unkind we lack love. Positive responses normally come when we are kind and thoughtful toward others.

Love does not envy. Envy can be wanting what others have badly enough to do most anything to get it. Envy can be that if we can’t have it we do not want another to have it either. Most everyone would like to be wealthy, well known and accepted. How we accept the good fortune of others is indicative of our love. Being envious can take away the opportunities that come with being a Christian.

A person with love will not boast. We realize how unworthy we are. If it were not for Christ’s death and resurrection we would not have been made worthy. There is a difference between confidence and pride. Love does not allow our egos to become inflated. Most great leaders do not think of their importance.

Love forgives and holds no grudges. We must never be pleased with the misfortunes of others. Love looks for the good in people. Christians must always tell the truth. We are never to hide the truth. Truth must always win out. Love is trusting and takes God at His word.

Love always offers hope to ourselves and to others. Christians must never allow a negative attitude to stifle hope. Always allow the Holy Spirit to check your actions. Learn to trust Him for your guidance.

cts believers to change from being self-centered to being Christ-centered.

The Bible makes very clear the importance of faith, hope and love in our lives.The greatest of these three is love.Let’s look at what God says we are to do to live as a Christian.

I Corinthian 13:4 – 7 – Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

Let’s start with the greatest change we need to make: learning to love. Scripture tells us we must love unconditionally without expecting anything in return. It is easy to love when we expect that love to benefit us. However, that is not what God expects. We are to show love regardless of the outcome.

So what does Scripture tell us about love? We are told that if we have love, then we will:

• Demonstrate patience. Positive responses normally come when we are kind and thoughtful toward others.

• Not Envy. Love does not envy. Envy can be wanting what others have badly enough to do most anything to get it. Envy can be that if we can’t have it we do not want another to have it either. Most everyone would like to be wealthy, well known and accepted. How we accept the good fortune of others is indicative of our love. Being envious can take away the opportunities that come with being a Christian.

• Not Boast. We realize how unworthy we are. If it were not for Christ’s death and resurrection we would not have been made worthy.T here is a difference between confidence and pride. Love does not allow our egos to become inflated. Most great leaders do not think of their importance.

• Forgive. Love forgives and holds no grudges. We must never be pleased with the misfortunes of others. Love looks for the good in people.

• Tell the truth. Christians must always tell the truth and never hide it. Truth must always win out.

• Trust God and take Him at His word.

• Offer hope. Love always offers hope to ourselves and to others. Christians must never allow a negative attitude to stifle hope.

And, finally, always allow the Holy Spirit to check your actions. Learn to trust Him in all that you do, and He will always lead you in the right direction.