Dear children, we must show love through actions that are sincere, not through empty words. [1 John 3:18 (GW)]
It’s not enough just to believe, or even to profess our belief; we must behave as if we believe!
Category Archives: Love & Works
TODAY IS THE DAY THAT COUNTS
Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them. If you can help your neighbor now, don’t say, “Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you.” [Proverbs 3:27-28 (NLT)]
Lord, I seem to expect you to respond immediately to my requests. Why do I seem so willing, then, to defer my responses to the requests of others? Help me make this day count!
I shall pass through this world but once. Any good, therefore, that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again. [Mahatma Gandhi]
Yesterday is a canceled check. Tomorrow is a promissory note. Today is cash in hand; spend it wisely. [Kay Lyons]
“SANDPAPER PEOPLE”
You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies. Pray for those who treat you badly. If you do this, you will be children who are truly like your Father in heaven. He lets the sun rise for all people, whether they are good or bad. He sends rain to those who do right and to those who do wrong. If you love only those who love you, why should you get a reward for that? Even the tax collectors do that. And if you are nice only to your friends, you are no better than anyone else. Even the people who don’t know God are nice to their friends. [Matthew 5:43-47 (ERV)]
O Lord, we all have some “sandpaper people” in our lives. They just rub us the wrong way and they certainly don’t seem to be deserving of our love. Yet, you love them as much as you love us. Help us to be as generous with our love as you are with yours and please forgive us when we aren’t.
The more unlovable the person, the greater the statement about how much you love God. [Joe Stowell]
MAY OUR LIVES BE PROOF
For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. [1 Peter 2:21-24 (NLT)]
Jesus, Savior and Redeemer, your story didn’t end with the crucifixion and resurrection; it just began! Help us be part of its continuation. Teach us; lead us; live within us. May our lives be evidence of your continuing presence in the world today.
LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR
You’ve told the truth that there is only one God and no other besides him! To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as you love yourself is more important than all the burnt offerings and sacrifices.” [Mark 12:32-34 (GW)]
Sometimes loving God doesn’t seem nearly as difficult as loving our neighbors. Yet, God only knows how much we truly love him by the way we treat our fellow man! Lord, who needs to see your love through me today?
The whole being of any Christian is faith and love. Faith brings the man to God, love brings him to men. [Martin Luther]
BLESSINGS NOT CURSES
Words satisfy the mind as much as fruit does the stomach; good talk is as gratifying as a good harvest. Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit – you choose. [Proverbs 18:20-21 (MSG)]
Lord, guide us so that our words bring comfort, not pain, and harmony, not discord. May they build, not destroy, and inspire rather than discourage.
Devotions of the Heart 