Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- December 6, 2012
“And walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:2
A walk in love is a walk that imitates Christ’s love. It is a journey with Jesus that stops and stoops down to assist those who have fallen into a ditch of discouragement and despair. It is a stroll with our Savior that seeks out sinners—not in condemnation, but in compassion and forgiveness. A walk in love looks for ways to bless without expecting anything in return. Like Jesus love still loves as it walks through difficulty, even death.
Our walk of love looks out for the poor, the widow, the orphan, the single parent, the sick and the sinner who is far from God. We are compelled by Christ to love the lowly and the outcasts of society, because we were once enemies of God in desperate need of love. We can now sing from the depths of our hearts, “Love lifted me, love lifted me!” We were stuck in sin’s pit and love lifted us up to love. Love elevates us to offer grateful love to all.
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
Who do you know who needs a loving word or kind deed? Perhaps you anonymously assist in the yard work or home repair of a single parent or widow in your neighborhood. Love may lead you to quietly pay for the school tuition of a friend’s child who can’t afford to further their education. Pray for ways to creatively use your relationships and resources to bring hope and solutions to other struggling souls. Love is intentional.
Above all, lean into the Lord’s love as the source of your service and love. Check your motivation and make sure it is for your Master’s glory and from the Spirit’s power. Do people smell your life as a perfume of praise to Jesus? Are you a pleasant aroma of grace and forgiveness? The deeper you develop your love relationship with Christ, the deeper and wider you will love others. Walk in love as a witness to your radical love for God!
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13:34
Prayer: Heavenly Father, love me deeply so I can love others deeper.
Related Readings: Leviticus 19:18; Psalm 21:7; 1 Thessalonians 4:9; 1 Peter 1:22
Post/Tweet today: The Lord’s love lifts us up to lift up others in love. #love
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I am really torn about people begging at intersections and large box store. (“lost job, please help, God Bless”, “need food or a job”, etc.) I’ve been burned by giving to some of these people and watching them go to the liquor store with my money. But my heart goes out to those who are truely in need. What to do??
Dan, there is a tension in being generous and being a good steward. I try to prayerfully give and trust God with the results. My wife Rita’s godly grandmother Ganda Mama use to say, “Our part is to give and God’s part is to take care of the gift’s recipient.” Good wisdom. Thanks for caring for the poor!
A fellow servant of Jesus,
Boyd