Focus: Surviving When Christians Hurt You Day 15 | September 15 Don’t Confuse Affection for Admiration—Perceived Value Is Not Love

Don’t Confuse Affection for Admiration—Perceived Value Is Not Love

Just as spiders check on their “glowing prisoners,” people may seem attentive or flattering when your gifts serve their interests. Genuine love celebrates and releases; false affection keeps you shining for their benefit, not yours. Paul warns “Let love be without hypocrisy” (Romans 12:9). Your calling is to be valued as a whole person, not kept for what you provide.

Bible Verses:

• “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.” (Romans 12:9)

• “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others...” (1 Peter 4:10)

• “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17)

Call to Action:
Evaluate which relationships or communities genuinely love and release you versus those that only admire or use you. Ask God to grow connections rooted in authentic love.

3 Things to Remember:

• Admiration without genuine love exploits.

• Genuine love celebrates your freedom and gifts.

• God’s love draws healthy people together.