Devotionals for the Heart: Why we need the love of God in our hearts

Where Is the Love?
A devotional by Angela Anderson

“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” 

–1 John 4:7-8 (NIV)

As I picked up my phone and scrolled through the news, my heart sank. The headlines read: “Man dead following shooting at apartment complex.” “Mother arrested after 1-month old baby thrown at father.” “Man threatened to kill family during home invasion.” “Over 800 hate groups operating in the United States.” One headline after the other, I skimmed each subheading and article wondering why these horrific events were so prevalent. How could people be so hateful?

When I was growing up, there was a song that used to play on one of my dad’s favorite radio stations. I can still hear Jackie DeShannon singing the tune to music composer Burt Bacharach’s song, “What the World Needs Now Is Love.” The lyrics often play in my mind: “What the world needs now is love, sweet love. It’s the only thing that there’s just too little of...”

This sums it up: Love is the missing ingredient to the recipe of life.

One thing I have noticed in my lifetime is that there are a lot of people walking around this earth who are feeling unloved. Love is missing from their lives because they have not experienced or accepted love or, they do not love themselves. If you do not love yourself, you cannot possibly love others—at least not the way you are supposed to love others.

The Bible defines love in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (NIV): “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails...”

Love is the answer! It is no wonder we hear of senseless killings, domestic violence, sexual abuse, abuse of power, acts of terrorism in all forms, political wars, and the list goes on. There is no representation of love in these acts, specifically the love previously mentioned. Fortunately, all hope is not lost.

There is a remedy for all of these societal ills. This remedy is presented in John 3:16-17 (NIV):

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

The love of God is so far-reaching! It’s life changing and it’s everlasting. It never fails!

God loves you. He wants nothing more than to save you. God wants to be part of you, to live inside of you, and show you how to love yourself so that you can love others. He sent a part of Himself, His Son Jesus Christ, to live among us and then die for us while we were yet sinners. It did not matter to him that he might be rejected. Even now, He still pursues us because He loves us that much. If you have not experienced this love, I urge you to give it a try. You have nothing to lose, but everything to gain. Jesus is waiting to enter your heart, but He can’t and He won’t unless you invite Him into your heart.

Let’s Pray: Dear God, may we recognize Your presence in our lives. For those of us who have already experienced Your love, I pray that we take the opportunity to renew our relationship with You daily. Then for those who have not received You into their hearts, I pray that they will make that decision so that they can experience You and the life that You have in store for them.

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Author Bio:

Angela Anderson was born in Brooklyn, New York. She was raised in a Christian home in New Jersey. Angela dedicated her life to Christ and was baptized at the age of 12. 

As a child in elementary school, she developed a penchant for writing book reports and entering writing contests. By high school, she was taking advanced placement courses in English and Speech & Creative Writing. Angela’s love for journaling also had its beginnings in high school and it evolved into prayers journals and detailed notes for prospective book ideas. As a result, Angela is the author of a published 40-day devotional book titled Just When I Thought I Knew God. She also wrote a children’s book that is not yet published.

Although Angela wanted to somehow incorporate writing in her life, she is currently a Certified Human Resources Professional. Angela graduated from Rutgers University in NJ with a double bachelor’s degree in Labor/Employment Relations & Sociology. She also has an MBA from Strayer University.

Angela founded a non-profit 501(C)(3) organization called Head to the Sky, Inc. It was formed in order to assist those in prison with their transition into society and to reduce the rate of recidivism in the community. During this venture, Angela received a certification in grant writing from The Edyth Bush Institute for Philanthropy & Nonprofit Leadership at Rollins College. Angela was very passionate about teaching, training, and sharing the love of Christ in this ministry; but she had to refocus her passion when she and her husband decided to start their family.

Angela has been married to the love of her life, Duane Anderson for 16 years. Together they have two sons: Thomas (age 8) and Ryan (age 3). Angela’s favorite pastime is journaling and she also enjoys spending quality time with her family. Her personal mission is to empower others to achieve their goals and dreams.

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Connect with Angela:
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/angela.thomasanderson
Facebook fan page for her devotional book, Just When I Thought I Knew God:
https://www.facebook.com/jwitikg/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelanderson1104/