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April 22: Unhidden Love
April 22: Unhidden Love
Scripture: "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." — John 13:35
True love for God cannot be hidden. Like the scent of a blooming flower or the light of a candle in a dark room, it will naturally manifest itself in our actions and words. Those who truly "keep the commandments of God in truth" will reveal the same love that Christ revealed—a love that is unreserved, unselfish, and active.
This love is not a "sentimental fuzzy feeling," but a "spiritual duty." It is the highest act of the human heart. To love as Christ loved means practicing self-control, showing unselfishness at all times, and being "kindly affectionate" to one another. It means choosing bridges of communication over walls of separation.
Service is the "fruit" of this love. We are to show by "good works" the reality of our faith. This includes ministering to both the spiritual and temporal needs of those around us. When we supply a "temporal necessity"—a meal, a ride, a hand with a chore—we are demonstrating that the Truth has done something real in our lives.
Don't be a "closet Christian." Let your love be visible and practical today. Honor your Savior by being a "faithful steward" of the blessings He has given you. When people look at your life, let them see not just a set of beliefs, but the "Reality of Love" in motion.
Reflection Questions:
Source: The Upward Look, p. 126, Ellen G. White; Adventist Review article: "If We Only Loved One Another."
Scripture: "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." — John 13:35
True love for God cannot be hidden. Like the scent of a blooming flower or the light of a candle in a dark room, it will naturally manifest itself in our actions and words. Those who truly "keep the commandments of God in truth" will reveal the same love that Christ revealed—a love that is unreserved, unselfish, and active.
This love is not a "sentimental fuzzy feeling," but a "spiritual duty." It is the highest act of the human heart. To love as Christ loved means practicing self-control, showing unselfishness at all times, and being "kindly affectionate" to one another. It means choosing bridges of communication over walls of separation.
Service is the "fruit" of this love. We are to show by "good works" the reality of our faith. This includes ministering to both the spiritual and temporal needs of those around us. When we supply a "temporal necessity"—a meal, a ride, a hand with a chore—we are demonstrating that the Truth has done something real in our lives.
Don't be a "closet Christian." Let your love be visible and practical today. Honor your Savior by being a "faithful steward" of the blessings He has given you. When people look at your life, let them see not just a set of beliefs, but the "Reality of Love" in motion.
Reflection Questions:
- Is my love for others "hidden" or "manifest"?
- What "temporal necessity" can I meet for someone in my community this week?
- How can I "prefer others" in my daily interactions today?
Source: The Upward Look, p. 126, Ellen G. White; Adventist Review article: "If We Only Loved One Another."
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Bulletin March 7The Identity Trap: Moving Beyond the "Sinner" ExcuseThe Wardrobe of the SoulA View from the SummitThe Great Exchange The Garments of Grace Bulletin March 14Bulletin March 21Why Jesus is the Ultimate Role Model His Caring Touch The Prophet Who Never Fails Bulletin March 28Steadfast RootsBulletin April 4
April
April 1: The Foundation of All TruthApril 2: Lessons from the GardenApril 3: The Temple of the Holy SpiritApril 4: Motivated by LoveApril 5: The Gift of RestApril 6: Trust in the LordApril 7: The Art of WitnessingApril 8: The Joy of ServiceApril 9: Walking in the LightBulletin April 11April 10: The Beauty of Holiness CopyApril 11: The Bread of LifeApril 12: The Refreshing RainApril 13: The Strength of UnityApril 14: The Living WaterApril 15: The Law of LibertyBulletin April 18April 16: The Great PhysicianApril 17: The Armor of GodApril 18: The Power of PrayerApril 19: The Fruit of the SpiritApril 20: The Wisdom of CreationApril 21: The Power of ForgivenessApril 22: Unhidden Love
2025
January
February
March
Mission Matters for March 2Bulletin March 8Sabbath March 8 EventsMission Matters for March 9Bulletin March 15Mission Matters for March 16Bulletin March 22Mission Matters for March 23Bulletin March 29Preparation for Communion Part 1What Communion is All AboutMission Matters for March 30Preparation for Communion Part 2
April
2026
January
February
March
Bulletin March 7The Identity Trap: Moving Beyond the "Sinner" ExcuseThe Wardrobe of the SoulA View from the SummitThe Great Exchange The Garments of Grace Bulletin March 14Bulletin March 21Why Jesus is the Ultimate Role Model His Caring Touch The Prophet Who Never Fails Bulletin March 28Steadfast RootsBulletin April 4
April
April 1: The Foundation of All TruthApril 2: Lessons from the GardenApril 3: The Temple of the Holy SpiritApril 4: Motivated by LoveApril 5: The Gift of RestApril 6: Trust in the LordApril 7: The Art of WitnessingApril 8: The Joy of ServiceApril 9: Walking in the LightBulletin April 11April 10: The Beauty of Holiness CopyApril 11: The Bread of LifeApril 12: The Refreshing RainApril 13: The Strength of UnityApril 14: The Living WaterApril 15: The Law of LibertyBulletin April 18April 16: The Great PhysicianApril 17: The Armor of GodApril 18: The Power of PrayerApril 19: The Fruit of the SpiritApril 20: The Wisdom of CreationApril 21: The Power of ForgivenessApril 22: Unhidden Love
2025
January
February
March
Mission Matters for March 2Bulletin March 8Sabbath March 8 EventsMission Matters for March 9Bulletin March 15Mission Matters for March 16Bulletin March 22Mission Matters for March 23Bulletin March 29Preparation for Communion Part 1What Communion is All AboutMission Matters for March 30Preparation for Communion Part 2
April