“Our mouth has spoken freely to you, O Corinthians, our heart is opened wide. You are not restrained by us, but you are restrained in your own affections” (2 Corinthians 6:11-12).
No one is able to “make” another do anything. Yes, we can be coerced by force, but we have been given a free will which we exercise often. We are free to do as we please. We are also free to learn how to love as the Lord loves. Is this not then the challenge to all who believe? Are we not called to become as Christ? Your own affections will restrain you. Are they for this world or for the Lord?
Lord, teach me how fleeting this world is. Guide me to see that in this world there is heartache and disappointment. Lead me in the way of everlasting life that I may walk in the way of truth. Help me keep my eye upon the prize that I may learn from You how life was created to be lived. Let me not be constrained by my worldly affections, but by You, the author and finisher of my faith.
Lord Jesus, have You not taught us to love as You have loved us? Have you not said that we are to love the LORD and our neighbor? Lead me in this way, Lord, that I would now and always be guided by the law of love and not by the affections of my heart which will lead me astray. Teach me the way to abide in You and guide me to seek how to have You always abide in me. Amen.
