PRACTICING CHRISTIANITY

 

We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death. (1 John 3:14 NKJV)

 

It's a great comfort to find that love isn't regarded by the Apostle as though it were merely an emotional or sentimental matter, for every reference points to action! The love of God was manifested in the laying down of His life, and we are to be willing to follow in His steps (1 John 3:16). The rule is that we should love in our deeds. We're not to shut up our hearts in compassion, but to help our brother in need. If we begin with doing kind and loving actions, we shall end up by feeling the same. Often when people come to me, saying that love has completely died out of their life towards some other person, I have suggested to them that they go back again, and act with love, making the other one the center and object of helpful ministry; the invariable result is the refreshing and rekindling of the hot geyser springs of affection.

Don't wait to feel love, but begin at once to show it, because it is right, and your duty. As you step out in simple faith and strive to show love, you will find that God will supply the grace necessary to show that love. Love of such kind is self-giving and it is the gift of the Spirit of God. This exotic bloom cannot flourish on our wintry soil; the heart of man cannot furnish it. There may be a few wild growths, but they are small in comparison to its beautiful flower and fruit. Love is of God. It proceeds from His nature, and is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which is given unto us. "The fruit of the Spirit is love," and as we are united with Christ by faith, the love of God will be shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, and we shall be able to love with God's love.

We know that we have been born from above as soon as we find ourselves willing to put the interests of another before our own, not because we have a natural affection or affinity for him or her, but because he or she and we belong to God. If there is hatred or dislike in our hearts towards any, let's beware! We must uproot it by quick and decisive action, or it will bring darkness into our own lives (1 John 2:9-11).

PRAYER

Enable us, Heavenly Father of patience, to bear one another's burdens, and to serve one another in love. Teach and help us all to live in peace and to love in truth. Subdue all bitter resentments in our minds, and let the law of kindness be on our tongues. I pray these things in the name of Jesus, AMEN.

God's Daily Promise

Promise #281:
I have blessed you in Christ with one outpouring of grace after another.

John 1:16 (WEB)
From his fullness we all received grace upon grace.