If anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? – 1 John 3:17
Salvation Army General William Booth, though old and blind, was entreated to go from London to the United States to receive commendation from Congress. Unable to make the trip, he sent a letter to be read on the specified day. It contained only one word: “Others.” That was all. It had been his life’s work, serving others. It was what he lived to do.
The apostle James emphatically states that followers of Christ should be “doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22). “If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also, faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (2:15-17).
Having received the gift of salvation by faith alone, your response to God’s love is to care for others. His love has brought you to this place and, through faith in Christ, God’s love abides in you. Bible theologian H.A. Ironside wrote: “Christianity is intensely practical… The most miserable people are those who are trying to get the best for themselves, while the happiest people are those who give the most, sacrifice the most, and lay themselves out the most for the blessing of others.” Jesus said, “Give, and it shall be given to you” (Luke 6:38). This not only applies to worldly goods, but it is also true of the fruits of the Spirit! God gives abundantly so that His supply may overflow onto those around you.
When the opportunity arises to comfort or serve others, let the Spirit of the Lord lead you as you give aid. Then pray that those who govern this nation will understand their part in helping those in need.
Today’s Verse: 1 John 3:17
But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: 1 John 3:11, 16-18, 23
11 For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.
16 By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. 17 But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? 18 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.
23 And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
