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Billy Graham Devotional 8 October 2024 | How To Love
Topic: How to Love
These things I command you, that ye love one another. — John 15:17
How are we to love? We are to love as God loves us . . . we are to show acceptance and appreciation . . . [to] accept each other as God accepts us. Too many parents refuse to accept and appreciate their children for what they are. That is why a million American children ran away from home last year. A team of Yale researchers has concluded that the majority of these runaways were attempting to escape an unhappy family situation. They yearned to be appreciated.
The causes of delinquency, we are told, are broken homes, poverty, lack of recreational facilities, poor physical health, racism, working mothers, and so on . . . The experts never seem to mention the lack of love, or the lack of faith in God. Yet these are the two most important elements for an adolescent’s successful maturity.
How long has it been since you praised your children instead of criticizing them? David prayed for Solomon and daily praised him, and we are to praise our children daily. Praise your wife. I have found that praise goes a lot further than criticism. Everybody needs to be appreciated.
Prayer for the day: It is so easy to criticize those close to me; but Lord, give me Your unreserved love so that they may know how deeply I appreciate them.
Written by Billy Graham, Founder of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association(BGEA). BGEA exists to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ by every effective means and to equip the church and others to do the same.
Chiokike Notice Board: Your journey to true peace and eternal victory begins with accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Without being born again, the fullness of God’s presence and blessings remain just out of reach. If you're ready to embrace this life-changing decision, please say the prayer below:
Prayer of Salvation:
Lord Jesus, I come before You today, acknowledging my need for Your grace. I accept You as my Lord and Personal Savior, believing in my heart that You died for my sins and rose again to give me eternal life. Thank You, Lord, for saving me. In Jesus' name, Amen.
If you’ve prayed this prayer, we rejoice with you! Please share your testimony and prayer requests with us at contact@chiokike.com. We are here to support you as you grow in your faith. May God’s love and grace fill your heart abundantly!