June 14, 2020


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Today's Bible Verse
"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another."
John 13:34 (KJV)



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Today's Bible Study
Jesus says the words of today's verse at the Last Supper. His disciples surround Him, and He wants to communicate to them the importance of loving each other … important enough that He called it a commandment. Jesus uses Himself as an example by saying they are to love as He has loved them. Today, we will talk about the importance of love and how we can love those around us.

Jesus was serious about the commandment to love--it is a matter of obedience. Love is not something we do because we want to, or because we feel like it. It is a commandment to be obeyed regardless of how we feel, what we want to do, or what seems easiest or most convenient. This is significant because at the time of the Last Supper, the disciples were about to encounter a whole new life; Jesus was about to leave them. The Lord knew they would not be successful at loving other people if they could not love each other, and He underscored the importance of this in John 13:34.


What does loving other people look like? Jesus reminded His disciples how he had demonstrated love to them, and said they should follow His example. Just a few verses before, Jesus washed each of His disciples' feet, which was a very low job that only servants would ever do. In effect, Jesus was showing them what love looked like … disinterest in self and actively serving others.



Loving others means being open to what the Lord is asking us to do for each other, recognizing and meeting needs, and being like Jesus to those who need Him most. We have been loved deeply by the Lord, and it is our privilege to spread His love with our lives.

Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for being the author of all love. You are love itself, and I am so grateful for the ways that your love has changed my life. Help me to be more and more like you, and help me to love other people as you have loved me. In Jesus's name, amen.
Yesterday's Devotional
June 13, 2020
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Yesterday's Bible Verse
"The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit."
Psalm 34:18 (KJV)



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Yesterday's Bible Study
In this verse, King David gives us a sweet reminder about the constant nearness of the Lord. The Lord doesn't turn away from us when we are broken or expect us to fix ourselves--quite the contrary, in fact. He is "nigh" to the brokenhearted, meaning nearby. Let's explore what this means and how it affects our response to periods of sadness and depression in our lives.

When is the last time that something broke your heart? I think about the time when a friend I liked decided to no longer have a relationship with me, and I didn't understand why. It hurt, and I wanted a way out of the pain. While I didn't find a quick-fix, I did find comfort in the fact that the Lord is a perfect friend to me … and He is near to me even when I am upset.


If you are struggling with depression, cling to the truth that the Lord is near you. It may seem that He is far, far away, but this verse reminds us that is not the case. Also remember that sometimes it's tough to distinguish truth from feelings. While our feelings may say that the Lord couldn't possibly love us and let us suffer or hurt or be depressed, this verse reminds us of the truth--that the Lord is right next to us in our pain. He does not turn us away when we call out to Him.

The verse continues by saying that the Lord saved those who are of a "contrite spirit." In other words, if you are struggling because of past sin in your life, you have proof that your sins are forgiven once and for all. You are saved by the grace of God and no longer bound to sin. You are set free! When the Lord looks at you, He sees a son or a daughter in Christ … and He loves you more than we could ever comprehend.

Today, rest in the truth that the Lord will guide us through the painful moments in our lives and bring us closer and closer to Him. He is near to the brokenhearted and contrite in spirit, and He loves you.
Yesterday's Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for being near to me, even when I'm struggling with depression and brokenness. Thank you for loving me so deeply and for being so kind to me. Please open my eyes so I can see and understand your love in new ways; help me to rest in your arms. Thank you for being perfect and loving always. In Jesus's name, amen.
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