LOVE IN ACTION
1 John 3:17-18 (18) – Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. (NIV)
The story of Jesus and His disciples in John 13:31-38 has deep lessons. When Christ informed His disciples about His imminent departure, He said: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.” (34-35 NIV). What Jesus simply communicated to the eleven disciples (excluding Judas) was that their love for Him, each other and neighbours would show if they were genuine followers. Therefore, the greatest symbol of Christianity is love because it reveals God’s identity and sums up His commands.
On the other hand, Peter was quick to ask: “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” But see what Jesus told him: “Will you really lay down your life for me? (37 NIV). Like many people in our generation, Peter thought he loved Jesus and would do anything for Him. Yet when trials came, he denied his master (v. 38).
Beloved, the test and show of love does not mainly consist of the good times, but in both comfortable and inconveniencing moments. As seen in our Bible reading, love is not by words but by sincere action. Mere talk is secondary, cheap and can be empty like Peter’s words to Jesus. However, the kindhearted step we take is what makes a difference in love. If you truly love someone, you will go any length to honour them. In your own little way, bless God’s hand-made because this is how the genuineness of Christ’s compassion is manifested to the world. Love is caring and giving without expectation. Love is priceless and selfless. Love must be the guiding principle of humanity. Above all, whatever you do, do it for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). God bless you!
ACTION
1. Make a personal commitment to reach out to others based on your capacity.
2. Pray for the resources to bless humanity, the boldness to take the steps and the revelation of God’s love.
(MIDNIGHT PRAYER)
Hymn – I Want to Be Like Jesus In My Heart – Deacon L. J. Bates (1926)
1. Father, please forgive my sins of lying, envy, bitterness, backbiting and atrocities (mention).
2. Father, help my family, the Church, nation and I to love one another as commanded.
3. Anything programmed into my life to cause my sudden destruction, scatter by fire!
4. I receive the grace to let go of every evil done against me. Father, help me to respond in love.
5. Father, let my deliverance from anything that does not glorify You begin now!
FURTHER READING: 1 JOHN 3:1-24
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