Not only is today Tuesday (and the first day of the work week, due to our wonderful three day weekend) which means it's time for We Encourage...but it's also the start of my women's Bible study for the fall. We are going to be reading Forgotten God by Francis Chan and I am super excited about it.
This verse has had significant impact in my life in recent months...because I've witnessed and experienced many different things that demonstrate the truth of these words.
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.
(1 John 3:16-18, NIV)
We are not supposed to live our lives only thinking about ourselves. We are supposed to live our lives looking out for those around us and helping them out when we see they have a need. Otherwise, we need to question if we are truly in love with God.
(Me and some of the ladies from my church at the missions conference last weekend)In Matthew 25, Jesus talks about the sheep and the goats. After asking why some helped those around them...and why others did not, Jesus says this in verse 45:
"...I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me."
Ouch.
It's not enough to say that we love other people...our actions have to reflect that.
That does not mean that we should only show people God's love with our actions...and never breathe a word to them about Jesus. I know many of us have used this verse and others like it as a cop-out, thinking all we have to do is show them our love through our actions...but that's just not right.
What does "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19-20) mean, if it doesn't mean to use our words? We have to use our words...but our actions need to reflect what we're saying as well.
Let's be a light that shines and reflects Christ to those around us...with our words and our deeds.
(This is my 200th post. Just thought I'd throw that out there)
11 comments:
thanks for this today! such great reminders!
preach the gospel. love.
and when necessary, use words.
loveya!
"...I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me."
I have read this many times and felt shame because I am guilty of this. Our actions are not enough; we need to use our voices to spread His Word, as well.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I am visiting and now following you from Jami's wonderful link-up. :)
CONGRATS on the 200th post!! You are always so encouraging!!
wow love it ... amen sister! coming from call me blessed! and i'm your newest follower ... love your words!
As always, you are an inspiration Friend :)
I'm a new follower, and I love your blog! you have been an encouragement to me. I'm excited for your group to read forgotten god--amazing book!!
Yay for reading Forgotten God! I pray your women's group is blessed and encouraged!
Love this! And yay to Francis Chan! Praying that your Bible study encourages you tonight xo
This is such a great reminder... it's so easy to forget to be a "witness" in everyday life. But it's at the grocery store, the mall... not just a mission trip to Africa.
This si so true, sometimes I even hide away my beliefs. Not really on purpose - just not celebrating and sharing them the way I really should. Great reminder.
Yes, yes! I could seriously be reminded of this truth EVERY SINGLE DAY, it's that important. I love how Casey Wiegand is always saying on her blog, "Open hands." That's a good motto. I want to do what Jesus has called me to do, loving others with reckless abandon and looking out for the needs of those around me.
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