Post by Obasoto Obafemi (@Obasoto)

The Key Devotional

Sunday | July 12 | 2026

GOING EXTRA MILE FOR GOD

Matthew 16:21 KJV
[21] From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.

The lack of understanding of the simple difference between love and like' is the very crucial reason why some do not improve in their relationship with God. Many people confuse liking with loving even though there is a clear difference. The word like is being fond of someone or something. It can also mean having regard for, having a soft spot for or to think well of someone or something. As much as this is good, it is not close to what is called love. Love on the other hand is a great interest and pleasure in something or an intense feeling of deep affection. This shows that love is something deep and not casual, love is very great when expressed. It is sacrificial and often does not consider much of self but the one that needs the love. Love is loyal and goes the extra mile.
In our text, Jesus was talking about the calamity that was to befall Him because of the need to redeem man. The ease and pleasure at which He was saying this is unimaginable. Knowing that the process was not only life taking, but gruesome and painful, He was saying it as if nothing was involved. The only reason why He can be talking about this freely even though He knows the pain involved is because of the love for the Father. The pain in this process does not make sense to Him because of the desire to please the Father. When the love of the Father filled His mind, pain looked like pleasure to Him.
Beloved, the depth of your love for God will show how far you can go for God when it is not convenient. It will show in the extra mile you can cover when there is no energy to move. When the love of God preoccupies your mind, you will not be mindful of your bank account balance when there is a need in the kingdom of God. It will reflect in how committed you are in paying your tithe, firstfruit, and other stretching financial responsibilities in your Church. When there is love for God and not just likeness, it will show how sacrificial you are in your Church. It will show if your Church will miss you or not at any given time. Your service must therefore move from likeness basis to love basis.

Daily Task
Mention five ways to show love to God with Jesus' example.

Prayers
1. Father, I receive grace to love You.
2. May Your love fill my heart.

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