Scripture to Read: Revelation 2:19
As we continue in Revelation 2, we find our Lord give words of encouragement to the church of Thyatira. Our Lord’s words of encouragement began with the church’s works of love, faith, service, and perseverance or patient endurance. In Revelation 2:19, our Lord says, “I know your deeds, and your love and faith and service and perseverance, and that your deeds of late are greater than at first.” Love is the most important characteristic of any Christian's life. Jesus said in Matthew 22:37-39,“ You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. ’38 This is the great and foremost commandment. 39 The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” Faith is another incredibly important characteristic for every Christian. With faith we are justified, we are able to please God, and we can overcome this world. God says in Galatians 2:16, nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith. Then God says in Hebrews 11:6, And without faith it is impossible to please Him. Also, God says in 1 John 5:4-5, For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Our complete love must be for our King and we must trust in Him with all our being. He is our life and without Him we are nothing.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about the importance of love and faith?
2. How are you loving God each day and how are you choosing to cling to Him, trust in Him, and rely on Him completely?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!