Pastor
Chris
What
doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not
works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of
daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and
filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the
body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being
alone (James 2:14-17).
Our opening verse shows
us the way to prove our faith. In reality, it’s actually the way to demonstrate
your love, because love isn’t just in words; it’s demonstrated through your
actions; it’s called the "labour of love": "Remembering without
ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love…in the sight of God and our
Father" (1 Thessalonians 1:3).
This means that love
sometimes may not be convenient, but you’ve got to walk in love all the same.
Those you love may not necessarily love you in return, but it makes no
difference because there’s no promise in the scriptures that says those you
love will have to love you back; we’re only commanded to love. So, don’t look
for the reciprocity of it before you do the right thing.
John 3:16 says "For
God so loved the world…"; here, He’s referring to the world of sinners;
those who didn’t care about Him. Isn’t it wonderful, and so inspiring to
know that Jesus came to die for sinners who didn’t want Him? While on the
Cross, even as their representative, they spat at Him, but His response was
that of love; He said, "…Father, forgive them; for they know not what they
do…." (Luke 23:34).
You’re born to love; and
love is something you consciously practice. Let nothing dampen your resolve and
commitment to walk in love. Remember, you don’t love for the sake of those you
love, you love for the Master’s sake. Jesus said in John 13:34, "A new
commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you,
that ye also love one another." Walking in love is your proof that you’re
a true believer in Christ: "By this shall all men know that ye are my
disciples, if ye have love one to another" (John 13:35).
Prayer
Dear heavenly Father, I
thank you for your love, and the indescribable joy of sharing it with others,
and revealing to them the compassion of Christ, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
f u r t h e r s t u d
y: 1 John 3:18; John 15:12; James 2:15-17
Daily
Scripture Reading
1 Year Reading Plan : 1
Chronicles 5-6 John 15:18-16:1-16
2 Year Reading Plan :
Mark 14:22-31 Numbers 34
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