Why & How do we Love?

Something really simple but profound...

1John 4:19-21
21 We love Him because He first loved us.
20 If anyone says, I love God, and hates his brother, he is a liar. For if he does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?
21 And we have this commandment from Him, that he who loves God should love his brother also.

Is the love we receive from God conditional on our good works/deeds/prayers?
NO. He FIRST loved us. Even before we've done anything for Him, He first loved us. Can we then mete out the same measure of love, as we have been given by God by His abundance of Grace, to our fellow man? Be it friend or foe.

I hope we can all dwell & chew/meditate on this thought for the rest of the week. : )

Shalom Shalom,
Emmanuel

I am Blessed!

Hi All!

I've been asked several times at work today, the usual, "How's your day?" or "How are you doing?" kind of question.

What would the usual response be usually? "Oh ok." or "Not too bad." or something to that effect. But today i decided to catch myself before i said these things and quickly shouted out, "I'm good! Great! Hallelujah!"

I've decided that whatever that the day has in store for me, nothing can beat how God has given His very best to me. His beloved One, Jesus Christ! How terribly bad can my day be when God has given me His best already?

Christ consciousness. The consciousness of how much God loves me. That's what brings me through the whole day. And with that, i can really count my blessings. From the simple breakfast that i have at home, till the time i reach home and greeted by my wonderful family.

I hope we all can meditate and dwell on this consciousness that it doesn't really matter what happens to us, we have all already been blessed in advance!

Shalom & be Blessed,
Emmanuel