“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” - 1 John 2:15 (NKJV) True love cannot grow in a heart filled with counterfeits. Scripture makes it clear: the love of the Father cannot coexist with the lust of the flesh, …
“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him”
- 1 John 2:15 (NKJV)
True love cannot grow in a heart filled with counterfeits. Scripture makes it clear: the love of the Father cannot coexist with the lust of the flesh, the pride of life, or selfish desires. These are weeds that choke the pure love of God, and unless we prune them, our witness becomes compromised.
Pruning is not always pleasant. It means letting go of habits, relationships, or desires that look like love but are rooted in lust, greed, or self-centeredness. A man or woman may confuse possessiveness for love, or equate indulgence with care, but these are poor imitations of God’s agape love. The Word reminds us plainly: “Love… is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs” (1 Corinthians 13:5).
Anything that contradicts this truth is not love but bondage.
When God calls us to pruning, it is not to rob us of joy but to protect us from deception. Lust destroys, greed corrodes, and selfishness isolates. Love, however, builds, strengthens, and restores. By pruning what is false, we make room for what is true.
By pruning what is false, we make room for what is true.
Today is a day for honest reflection. Ask yourself: What attitudes, practices, or desires have I labelled as “love” but are actually hindering me from loving God and others sincerely?
Pruning requires courage, but it also brings freedom.
Let us turn to the Lord and ask, “What must be pruned so that Your love may truly flourish in me?” In that sacred exchange, may we find clarity, conviction, and the grace to release what hinders love’s full expression. For in every surrender, there is space for something holy to grow
Song of Worship
Reckless love. Song by Cory Asbury
Prayer Lord, search my heart and reveal what is false. Cut away every root of lust, pride, and selfishness in me. Teach me to embrace Your true love and to reflect it in purity. I surrender to Your pruning work, trusting that it will make me more fruitful for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Bible in 1 year: Jeremiah 1-2; 1 Timothy 3
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