"Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen."
1 John 4:20 NIV
We love because He first loved us (1 John 4:21 NIV).
This is the compelling reason for us to love our brothers and sisters and those who have yet to come into the family. In fact, we love God by loving others.
Ps Rick Warren remarked, "The essence of love is not what we think or do to provide for others, but how much we give of ourselves."
Humanly we will find it difficult to do so at the beginning when we are full of "self". But as the Holy Spirit works in us as we bid Him to, a transformation takes flight.
I am naturally a self-centered. In my early years as a believer, son, husband, father and friend, I have been looking after my own needs above everyone else. Not that I did not care about others, but I did not side aside my own needs in order to meet the needs of others.
My wife on the other hand is a generous person, always putting the needs of others, and most of the time, at her own expense. I began to see the joy that she holds which comes from the ability to give generously.
I desired the same joy and thus embarked on my own journey with the Holy Spirit's help. I must say that my experience has been nothing but satisfying.
Once a cell member asked me, "Are you disappointed with those whom you spend time with and yet you get nothing out of them?" Without a second thought, I replied that I have learned to go pass that as I put no expectation of people whom I give my time to. Without expectation, there is no disappointment. I am merely giving my love as Jesus commanded me (John 15:12 NIV).
Christ set the example when He put aside His glory in heaven to give Himself fully for you and I. Join me to obey Him. Our love for others proves that we are truly the disciple of Christ (Gal 6:2 NCV).
God bless.
Steven
No comments:
Post a Comment