Love is the signifying factor that we belong to Christ. 1 John 3:18 instructs us, as dear children in Christ, not to love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. So how do we do that as a body of believers?
1 John 3:16-17 describes it well — 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 and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?"
It’s not likely you’ll be called on to lay down your life, but you will have opportunities to provide for others that are less fortunate than you.
Thabiti M. Anyabwile, in his book What Is a Healthy Church Member? states that, “The local church is the place where love is most visibly and compellingly displayed among God’s people. It’s where the 'body of Christ' is most plainly represented in the world.”
Put love into action, trusting God's Spirit for the ability to do so. Participate in giving to others through a ministry at your church. Help start a food bank that provides for the hungry in your area. Adopt a single mother in your community and provide school supplies, Christmas gifts, etc. Or it can be as simple as giving to your church’s benevolence fund.
Father, give me opportunities this week as a member of the body of Christ to love in deed and in truth so the watching world will be drawn to Christ as I, along with other believers, act to meet their needs in your strength. Amen.
Go Deeper — Ask God to show you opportunities within the body and in your broader community to serve and give today, then do so joyfully, trusting he will guide and equip you by his Spirit.
Photo Credit: Toa Heftiba