1 John 3:16-18 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 17 If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.
Let’s get practical! John tells us so clearly how to love our brothers and sisters. Let’s get real! It’s not so easy to practice loving our brothers and sisters…
There nothing in this world that can compare to and show what love is like Jesus Christ showed us. It was not even easy for Christ, who struggled in prayer, to lay his life down for the world, yet we are commissioned to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters, imitating a similar love.
It is not about what you say, if you claim to love a brother or sister but do not show it in your actions, your words are empty and what you claim to be love is nothing. Look to Christ who loves you and showed you the ultimate extend of his love to learn to reflect love towards others. Loving others is something you see, it’s as straightforward as John writes it, it’s in what you do. If you see your brother or sister in need, show pity.
It’s not in a passing statement hoping someone else comes along to help, it’s deciding YOU will help them. Remember, when you were in your darkest moment, when you needed the most help, Jesus came and saved you. He didn’t speak it, he did it-- he died on the cross for you.
If you struggle to find where to start, pray, ask God where he can use you and it’ll be clear to you who he wants you to love. Start small and be meaningful in all your actions.
Food for thought:
- Who are your brothers and sisters?
- How can you show you love through action?
No comments:
Post a Comment