So many of us have our gaze fixed on love this week. In our everyday, the emotion is aimed at the people, places and things that we hold to the highest regard. But, most of all in this week, my prayer is that we each allow our attention to hone in on His love and loving mandates for us.

His real, abounding and limitless love is all about us. In as much as His heart is for us (self), His desire is also to turn our hearts outward (away from self). Daily, He tells us to:

‘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

In abiding in His love, He’s calling us to reciprocate and love on His behalf. But how?

Love Mandate #1: Love Him by obeying Him. John 14:15

Love Mandate #2: Love His people in the same way He loves you. John 15:12

And why should we? Because His love impels us to (2 Cor 5:14).

Take a moment to ponder on just one facet of His love for you. What does it motivate you to do in response to Him? What does it motivate you to do for another?