Text:
1 John 3:11-18
Memory Verse:
“But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?” (1 John 3:17).
Man is created for relationships. Regrettably, the present generation is losing this great virtue because people are not genuinely interested in other people. To relate successfully, you must love. Apostle John wrote his first epistle to encourage Christians to live the kind of life consistent with fellowship with God. One of the first attributes the believer exhibits is love (Galatians 5:22, 1 John 3:14). True love is characterised with selflessness – transforming self-loving,
hoarding, greedy people into serving, giving, risk taking agents of Jesus Christ. True love demands obedient action. Love that lacks obedience is unreal. True love acts promptly, without waiting for perfect conditions. It steps out in faith, believing that when initiative is taken, the door of opportunity opens.
The reasons we fail to put our love into action are that we are so concerned about ourselves and our families beyond measure that we have no genuine interest in other people. We are insensitive and not sufficiently observant of happenings within our environment and have no solid relationships
(2 Kings 4:9&10, 14-17). The difficulty in putting your love into action can be overcome by allowing the
Holy Spirit to prompt you to act spontaneously without regard to cost, focusing on something besides your own desires and wants. Treat people with patience, and trust. Train yourself to identify those that need your love and respond promptly. Stop holding back and take initiative. Realise that God has positioned certain people in your life to facilitate His purposes. Start giving.
Giving proves that you have conquered greed (2 Corinthians 9:7).
Prayer Points:
1. Father, I receive the grace to exhibit divine love which has no boundaries.
2. May all my actions be governed, guided, and guarded by love.
