The Mind of Love and Hope
But we have the mind of Christ.
1 Corinthians 2:16
Imagine how terrible life would be without love and hope, and imagine how life would be when our minds and hearts are filled with God’s love and hope. God is molding us to have the mind of Christ, and the Word tells us God is love. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. (1 John 4:8) God is the source of all love, and his agape love is the highest form of love. God’s love changes us and the more love we have in our heart, the more fulfilling life becomes. And what is life without hope? We have the promises of God to carry us through life into our heavenly home. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. (1 Peter 1:3)
How does a mind and heart filled with God’s love and hope change us? There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear. (1 John 4:18) The more we serve the Lord, the more love fills our heart and the less fear we have. Imagine life with no fear? God’s love calms our fears because we trust the Lord and we have the hope of eternal life. We know this world is not our home and we have a heavenly home waiting for us. As love, peace, and joy from the Spirit get stronger, fear from Satan gets weaker in our minds and hearts.
A mind filled with love is reflected to others which greatly improving our relationships. Agape love is an unconditional forgiving love that always reveals God’s love to others. When we treat people with anger and criticism we normally bring out the worst in people, but if we treat people with love, respect, kindness, and wisdom, we normally bring the best in people. Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14)
We are filled with hope and joy, knowing the Lord is always with us and heaven is our home. The more we praise and thank the Lord, the more joy we experience. People prefer to be around someone who is filled with joy, rather than someone who complains or is angry.
A mind filled with love and hope aides in our mental and physical health. A mind of love and hope relaxes the mind and body and diminishes the deadly effects of stress. Whenever you feel stress and fear from Satan, start praising and thanking the Lord and notice the change in attitude.
Today focus on reflecting the Lord’s love and hope. Let people see the joy in you and the lack of fear and complaining. Walk confidently with Godly wisdom, peace and joy. The more stressful a situation becomes, seek more peace and wisdom from God. Know that all things are possible for God.
Prayer: Lord, fill my heart with your love and hope that I can reflect to others. Keep fear and anger away from me today, and give me the strength to use self-control whenever I need it. Lord, remind me that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. In Jesus name, Amen