Those who love God…

Like the variety of colors which blend to make these leaves into the lovely creation they are, so the numerous character traits which make up the definition of those who love God are a beautiful variety.

Romans 8:28 NKJV — And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

People who love God are marked by goodness through adversity.

Joseph’s words to his brothers:

Genesis 50:20 KJV — But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.

Those who love God place their trust in Him.

2 Samuel 22:31 KJV — As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.

David’s life was marked by people trying to kill him, but God was a shield to David and he lived a long life.

When he was given the opportunity to strike down the man who sought his life, he trusted God rather than reacting from fear.

1 Samuel 24:6 KJV — And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD’S anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD.

Those who love God obey Him, for the truth is, His commandments are for our own protection.

1 John 5:3 KJV — For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

Proverbs 4:4 KJV — He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.

Noah is an excellent example of someone who obeyed God and his obedience was protection for him and his family.

Genesis 6:22 KJV — Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.

Lovers of God are also people who love others, because they abide in Christ by whom they were redeemed.

1 John 3:23-24 NKJV — And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment.
Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.

The life of John who wrote both the Gospel of John and the letters of John bring into crystal clear truth, that loving God means loving others.

The same man who wanted to destroy others for their behavior,

(Luke 9:54 NKJV — And when His disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, just as Elijah did?”)

was the man who wrote:

1 John 2:10-11 NKJV — He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

These are just a few of the characteristics which mark those who love God, those who are called according to His purposes.

We have the gift of scripture to guide and teach us that through the help of the Holy Spirit we might walk in the character qualities of those who love God.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for these truths and the way You have shown us how to live, what things are best, and what it means to be lovers of You. Lord Jesus, we are unable to walk in Your ways alone, thank You for Your Holy Spirit and the Bible. Please continue to hone our hearts daily. Lord, please make me more like You and help me to pick up my cross and follow You with joy. Thank You. Amen.