Memorise: My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. -1 John 3:18
Read: 1 John 3:16-18 (KJV)
16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
17 But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
Bible in one Year: 2 Kings 19-20, Luke 11:33-54
MESSAGE:
The character of love is seen in practice and not through empty words. This is the reason why John the beloved advised that we should make the expression of love practical. One practical way of expressing love is through giving. The Bible in John 3:16 says that God loved the world, and this love compelled Him to give His only begotten Son, so that men could be saved. It was through the medium of giving that God ascertained the love Abraham had for Him (Genesis 22:10-18).
Many people deceive themselves that they love God, but God knows they are far from what they claim to be. When God lays a demand on them, even of those things that legitimately belong to Him, they give reasons why they cannot respond positively, expecting Him to understand the situation they are passing through. For example, some people deny God of tithes and offerings, and they expect Him to understand.
Our giving should also be directed towards our fellow human beings, since this is more direct. It is an expression of love to someone we can see. As a matter of fact, Jesus appreciates our gesture towards our fellow human being, particularly those of the household of faith. He said in Matthew 25:34-36 that:
“Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.”
John the beloved in 1 John 3:17 also asked this question:
“But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?”
A popular adage goes: “A friend in need is a friend indeed.” I would rather say “A brother in need is a brother indeed.” Some brethren find it difficult to pick up a stranded brother that is known to them on the road. Beloved, let us go back to the basic of love as was taught in the early days of the Church. This will make our Lord happy, and He shall bless us in return.
Action Point: Look around you for those in need, and show them the compassion of Jesus.
Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer's Ministries.
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Please sir what do you mean by showing the compassion of God to people in need. I am a student I feed from what was given to me by my parents and my hostel members do need something like food and the rest and am managing what was given to me by my parent. Should I show love b y giving them what my parent gave me?
ReplyDeleteHi Timi, Thank God for your own parents and for God's provision in your family. Some don't even have parents,yet they need to survive. I'm sure out of that little stuffs of your you will still need to entertain friends and course mates who are dear to your heart.Firstly, you have to possess the heart to give,no matter how limited your resources may be. Remember, you can never have enough of what you need in life. Do you remember the story of prophet Elijah and the widow of Zarephath in 1 Kings 17:12-14.
DeleteSow a seed to day into life of that person in need of your help and you will be investing in the kingdom business.
I totally agree with you Mr Michael. Keep the good work up. More & greater blessings are coming your way in Jesus name.
DeleteIf you can share some of your food with those that have none; it will be an act of showing of compassion.
ReplyDeleteHi Timi, u have to learn the act of giving from the little you have, maybe those ur neighbors have no parent, maybe it's just a relative that's sponsoring their education and they're not giving them enough. If you're faithful in little you'll be faithful in much more. Moreso if God sees that you can't help others with the little u have he'll be reluctant to bless you knowing you won't help those in need, but when u have little and make an effort to reach out to one or two persons then God will bless you beyond ur wildest imagination. Trust me giving really does pay, just do it from ur heart, not complaining or grumbling. So yes you can give ur neighbors from the little ur page gives you. Remain blessed.
ReplyDelete