LOVE QUOTES FEED NO ONE
LIFE Devotions–May 24, 2016
 

“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? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
–1 John 3:17-18 [NIV]

Needs are not inconveniences but opportunities to love. Whenever you see a need, whenever you realize something can be done to help someone, don’t dismiss it and think it’s somebody else’s responsibility. Don’t turn a blind eye and hope for the best. If you are a Christian, then listen to Christ who lives in you and let Him do what He loves to do: Help the hurting. This is what mercy does. Mercy takes notice and takes action. Meanness simply takes off. Every day we have an opportunity to take action or take off. What will it be for you? Will you make a difference or will you simply make a comment? Anyone can say “I love you.” You don’t even have to spend a dime or move a finger to say “I care.” But do you care enough to carry someone’s load? True love does not only speak, it walks. It moves and changes someone else’s reality. It brings hope in the middle of hopelessness and light in the middle of darkness. If nice words was all it took to help those in need, then equipping Christians to say beautiful things would eradicate world poverty. We would feed love quotes to the hungry and clothe the homeless with Bible verses. But we have been called by God to prove the authenticity of our faith by breaking away from the theory of love and moving into the experience of compassion. This is how Christ comes alive in this dying world. A minister of mercy must welcome interruptions to his schedule, variations to his plans, and redistribution of his funds. Otherwise the faith we profess has simply made us sound more holy but has never truly touched our hearts. 

PONDERING
– Have you gotten used to thinking only of your own needs and not the needs of others? Could this be the reason why you have no joy or find fulfillment life? Ponder about this. 

– Pay attention to the people crossing your path this day. Ask the Lord to help you notice one need you could meet for one person. Meet this need and asses the condition of your heart after the fact. Share your experience with someone.