1 John 4:7
Dear friends, let us practice loving
each other, for love comes from God and those who are loving and kind
show that they are the children of God, and that they are getting to
know him better.
The
Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by
permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois
60188. All rights reserved.
For months now, I
have been writing devotionals based on the question, “Are we making a
point – or making a difference?” I’ve used scriptures about various
topics related to this question…and for the next few days, the focus
will be on Jesus’ command to “feed my sheep.” In light of the “theme”
of these devotionals, we must ask ourselves, “Do we love others because
we are getting to know God better and this is a natural progression? Or
do we tolerate others, because we think this is what God wants of us?”
Our answer matters greatly…because if we are treating others in
a certain manner to make a point – in one way or another – we have
totally missed the mark. If we love others out of a desire to be like
Jesus…to serve God with our whole heart and soul…we are demonstrating
one of the greatest gifts and blessings bestowed on those who belong to
His kingdom.
We need look no further than our current political
arena for examples of people who claim to love and serve Jesus…then
speak ill of those with whom they disagree. And I don’t mean that they
merely say, “I disagree with Bob.” I am talking about name-calling,
nasty innuendo - and horrible, disrespectful insults. Some have gone so
far as to say, “I would NEVER call So-and-So an XYZ.” They hide behind
the less-than-subtle suggestion that “those were someone else’s words,
not mine.” But ultimately, the unloving words were their own.
We
can pretend that what we see and hear in the media does not influence
us…but we would be wrong. Even “children’s movies” are peppered with
“adult” references that we THINK kids won’t get…until they spout
something derogatory or off-color that they heard in these films. So it
is no stretch to say that people of all ages mimic what they see and
hear. And when this includes unloving words and actions, we have missed
the mark as Disciples of Christ.
Let’s make this the day that we
truly begin to make a difference…that we draw closer to God and ask Him
to help us operate in love – in all that we say and do. Let’s show
others that it really means to be a child of God…an heir to His
kingdom. Let’s claim the name of Jesus…and then act and speak as He
would want…not as others expect or as suits our personal agendas. In
fact, let’s make sure that if we have a personal agenda…it is to
demonstrate the love of Christ.
I offer this reminder to ALL of
us today (myself included)…let everything that we say and do be pleasing
to Jesus – a reflection of His teachings. Let’s quit trying to make a
point and truly make a difference for God’s Kingdom by demonstrating His
love, grace, mercy and forgiveness. And let’s begin today…here…NOW!
Are you with me?
©2016 Debbie Robus
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