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 truly love like He does. Our sinful nature always gets in the way of the pure love He has given to us. Our love often turns sour.

There can be personality clashes, differences in how to do things, high expectations and low results, and so much more. Satan uses these things to turn us away from that pure love of God to the tainted and perverted love he offers. Satan has a way of making 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? 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.”

God’s love comes with no strings attached.  It’s is undeserved.  It’s the kind of love we should try to emulate. His love is unconditional.

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 pure, unconditional love for me. Everything you do has been done for the benefit of your creation. Help me in turn to love others with a small measure of that kind of love.  Amen!