Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- May 30, 2013
Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3:18
Actions born out of love speak like a megaphone of compassion to those in need. Words of concern are empty unless they are backed by involved behavior. A need does not necessitate a call, but Christ’s love compels us to engage in another’s messy situation. Love does what is necessary to bring hope and healing to those who feel hopeless and hurt. Those moved from within by the Spirit initiate intimacy. They are a solution looking for a problem.
How is your capacity to love? Is it limited to your immediate family or does it overflow into acquaintances, even strangers? Ask the Lord to endow you with extravagant love from heaven for those on earth. Yes, you are a conduit for the enormous love of your Heavenly Father. After you sit at the feet of Jesus in prayer, you can’t wait to wash the feet of those who are soiled by sin. Serve in a way the world cannot explain. Hallelujah, love’s outcomes are outrageous!
My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to hear your words, but they do not put them into practice. Their mouths speak of love, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain. Ezekiel 33:31
I have to check my motivation to make sure I am not giving to someone expecting a favor in return. If my love is conditional then it is tainted by my personal agenda. However, pure love does not discriminate, it is determined to meet needs as they arise. Everyday encounters are seen as divine appointments to engage the Lord’s limitless resources with those in need. My attention to another is not a bother, but an opportunity to be Jesus to one distant from Jesus.
Lastly, look to the Lord Jesus as your example of “love does”. Love those who are rejected by religious snobs by going into their homes and having dinner together. Rich or poor may feel isolated from the church because they don’t believe they measure up to right standards of conduct. Love those deeply hurt by sin by looking into their lost hearts with genuine compassion and mercy. Weep for the wounded and do good for those who do bad. Love does!
The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 1 Timothy 1:5
Prayer: Heavenly Father, lead me to love unrestrained and unconditional for Your glory!
Related Readings: Leviticus 19:18; John 13:34; 2 Corinthians 6:6; 1 Peter 1:22; 1 John 3:17
Post/Tweet today: We are a conduit for the enormous love of our Heavenly Father. #lovedoes
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