S) "17 But whoever has the world's goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? 18 Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth."
1 John 3:17-18 (NASB)
O) John laid out very simple instructions, that exhibit the love of Christ. Love is certainly more than words, and even more than affection. Love should involve deeds. Those deeds are also qualified with truth. Actions, no matter how helpful, if they are done deceitfully, then it can't be real love. It's also notable that John never really defines "need" when it comes to being helpful and loving. He never says to judge the needy person's neediness. He never instructs us to do a background check, to see why they are needy. He just says not to close our heart to them, and to love them in truth and in deed.
A) This passage convicted me for two reasons. First, I do not often think of myself as rich, but John doesn't say the rich should help the poor. He said if we have te world's goods. I do have that, and yet I've ised my own lack of wealth (relativity being what it is), as an excuse to close my heart against the needs of others. The second conviction comes from all the areas where I saw a gap between my affections and my actions. Immediately, the Holy Spirit just opened my eyes to relationships and circumstances, where my affections said love, but my actions said... well, not love I think. At least, my actions didn't match my affections. This must change, and will only change by the Holy Spirit working in me toward obedience.
P) Father, I confess that my love has been lacking. Discipline me, Lord. Help me to obey as I should, to love people in truth and deeds that match my words. Help me to slow down, and to appreciate the blessings I have. Help me to see myself as wealthy, and privileged as I am. Don't let it stop there, but motivate me to more honest actions. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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