Day 161 June 10 1 John 3:24

1 John 3:18-24My dear children, let’s not just talk about love; let’s practice real love. This is the only way we’ll know we’re living truly, living in God’s reality.It’s also the way to shut down debilitating self-criticism, even when there is something to it. For God is greater than our worried hearts and knows more about us than we do ourselves.And friends, once that’s taken care of and we’re no longer accusing or condemning ourselves, we’re bold and free before God! We’re able to stretch our hands out and receive what we asked for because we’re doing what he said, doing what pleases him.Again, this is God’s command: to believe in his personally named Son, Jesus Christ. He told us to love each other, in line with the original command. As we keep his commands, we live deeply and surely in him, and he lives in us. And this is how we experience his deep and abiding presence in us: by the Spirit he gave us.What is practicing real love? What is the only way we’ll know we are truly living in God’s reality?Shut down self-criticism. When I am no longer accusing or condemning myself, I can be bold and free before God!Lord, please forgive me for condemning what you have saved. Forgive me of my sins and wash me clean. Then wash my mind clean of the shame and guilt that you are not producing.Help me not to condemn myself or be so critical of myself or my behavior. Fill me with your love, your strength and your confidence. I can be bold and free in your presence because you love me. You know all about me and you love me.Fill me with your joy, your grace and your mercy. Help me to love others with your love, your kindness and your gentleness.Let me experience the abiding presence of your Spirit deep in my heart today.

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