1 Thessalonians 5:8 “But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.” (NIV)
The breastplate is the armor that protects your chest in battle. Spiritually we most often think of the breastplate of righteousness. Christians who live wearing the breastplate of righteousness protect themselves from the attacks of sinful and hypocritical living. In 1 Thessalonians 5:8, Paul refers to faith and love as the breastplate. Living out your life by faith in Christ allows Him to fully envelop your
Philippians 1:9 shows how the power to love is dependent upon a heart that is being constantly touched and changed by God, “That your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight.” (NIV) Without a deepening and transforming relationship with Christ, your flesh can quickly convert a struggle in your life to a display of anger, unforgiveness, bitterness, self-interest, and pride. Love, on the other hand, redefines the conflict. Love powerfully offers hope while unforgiveness creates distance and destruction. Love displays God’s character when you trust Him with the results. Trusting God not only allows the Holy Spirit to express His love through you, but it also allows God to sculpt
1 Timothy 1:14 “The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” (NIV)
Here are some Bible studies from Growing in Christ to help love transform the way you live: “Deeper With God” and “Transformation.”