Love That Builds
Love is the mark of discipleship, the gentle strength that builds and brings rest.
Devotional Credit: Open Windows by T. Austin-Sparks
Photo Credit: Unsplash
T. Austin-Sparks draws our attention to a truth that can be easy to overlook. Jesus said that the defining mark of His disciples is not deep knowledge or flawless doctrine, but love for one another. Sparks reminds us that love is the governing matter with the Lord. Truth and understanding are precious, but without love, they cannot build up the body of Christ. Love, on the other hand, has the power to restore, unite, and give rest.
He explains that God sees beyond the flaws that glare at us and often trouble us. Our natural vision is limited, but God’s love enables us to look past offenses and failures, to reach into the heart where His Spirit is at work. Without this, we face a paralyzing situation, unable to build up others or move forward in unity. Sparks reminds us that nothing lasting will be done unless we cultivate very large hearts, ready to see others through the lens of God’s love.
The devotional highlights that love does more than bless others. It also transforms those who practice it. Truth by itself can leave us strained and weary, but love brings rest, quiet strength, and confidence. When love flows, it changes our countenance, softening and steadying us in ways that truth alone cannot accomplish.
Finally, Sparks encourages us to sit down in the “armchair of His love,” finding rest in God’s heart before moving into service. Rest is not rooted in knowing every detail of doctrine or solving every difficulty. Rest comes from being held and sustained by God’s love, and it is from this place of rest that real work is done. We can thank T. Austin-Sparks for reminding us that love is not optional; it is the foundation of Christian life and service.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
My beloved, I have poured My love into your heart by the Spirit I have given you. This love is not fragile or dependent on your circumstances. It flows from Me, for I am love. When you abide in My love, you are kept in perfect rest.
Do not let differences, offenses, or limitations bind you. I have called you to see beyond the surface, to look through to what is true in the heart. As I have loved you, so you also are to love one another. This is how the world will recognize that you belong to Me.
Love builds what knowledge alone cannot. It binds you together in unity, strengthens what is weak, and brings peace to restless hearts. Truth without love becomes heavy and hard, but when love holds truth, it brings life and rest.
Let your service flow out of love. Sit down in the rest of My love, and then rise to work from that place of peace. Everything I call you to do, I empower with My love. Remain in it, and you will find that My love is more than enough.
Scripture References: John 13:34-35, 1 Corinthians 13:1-7, Romans 5:5, 1 John 4:7-12, Ephesians 4:15-16, Colossians 3:14, Galatians 5:22-23, Matthew 11:28-30, Philippians 2:1-2.
Real-Life Analogy
Think of a heavy door that resists every push when you try to force it open. You strain, and your muscles ache, but the door barely moves. Then you discover the handle, and with one gentle turn, the door swings wide with ease. Love is like that handle. It accomplishes what force and striving cannot. Where truth alone may strain, love makes the way open.
Today, when I encounter someone whose flaws or differences seem glaring, I can rest in God’s love and whisper, “Lord, I trust You to love through me in this moment.” His indwelling Spirit enables me to extend grace that builds up rather than tears down.
Prayer of Confidence
Lord, I thank You that Your love is poured into my heart through the Spirit. You have already given me all I need to love others, not from my own strength, but from the life of Jesus within me. I rejoice that Your love brings me into rest and gives me the capacity to see beyond offenses. Thank You that Your love builds up, unites, and transforms both me and those around me.