When we give something of ourselves to benefit others, God tells us to do it with a loving heart. If there is any malice in the doing or giving, we aren’t doing it His way. His love is an example for us, but we can never really love like He does.

Our old sinful nature always gets in the way of the pure love we start with, and often turns sour. There can be personality clashes, differences in how to do things, high expectations and low results, and much more.

These are merely tools the devil uses to turn us away from that pure love of God to the tainted and perverted love that Satan offers. In his deception he can make us feel bruised, used and abused. 

Why does God allow the devil so much power over us? Once we are God’s children, aren’t we supposed to be free of those feelings?   God doesn’t want us to be tempted, but He gives us a free will, which allows us to choose.

James 1:2-4 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

Lord, help me keep things in perspective. You have control over everything in my life and without you in it, I am nothing. Help me to be reminded of your love for me. Help me in turn love others with a small measure of that love.  Amen!