MANIFEST GOD’S LOVE;
“And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him” (1 John 4:16).
God is love, and as His children, we’re to love as Christ loves us: “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.” Hatred for anyone, irrespective of what they may have done against you is unacceptable to God. Jesus showed us a good example by loving everyone He met. He loved even His accusers—those who put Him on the cross. We ought to imitate the Master by loving everyone, no matter the circumstances.
Hatred is of the devil, and the Bible describes it as one of the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-20). But love is a fruit of the recreated human spirit (Galatians 5:22). The Christian life is a life of love, freely given us of God. Manifest that same love to your world. It’s Christmas time, and what an excellent opportunity to manifest the love of Christ to everyone around you!
Love makes you give of yourself to others without thinking of what you’ll get in return. It makes you think of others and accept them just as they are. They don’t have to act to deserve your love, for love is unselfish and doesn’t seek its own. It breaks the barriers of race, ethnicity and social status. It makes it possible for you to see the beauty in others and appreciate them for who they are.
Take some time to appreciate those around you and do something definite to show someone the love of Jesus this Christmas season. Let someone experience the love, care and touch of Jesus through you today! Let God’s love in you come alive; it will lift you to a new level of life and you’d be glad this happened.
Further Study:
Galatians 5:19-21;
Ephesians 5:1-2