BibleTrekToday.com

Loving in deed and truth

Scripture reading for October 2nd: 1st John 3, Psalm 46, Proverbs 10

1st John 3: 16-18 “By this we know love, that He laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. 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? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.”

Jesus revealed to us God’s amazing love in His total obedience to His Father in laying down His life for us, even when we were yet sinners like Jacob of old. John encouraged Christ’s followers to not just say that they love the brethren, but to show that love in practical means. If your brother or sister is hungry and you have food, share with them. True love is demonstrated by loving acts of service, not by judging and closing of the heart towards the needy, regardless of their spiritual state. God is now living in us by the Holy Spirit and will lead us to deeds of love done in truth. God is working now to make wars and strife between brothers and sisters to cease. If we heed His instruction, we are truly on the path of life.

Psalm 46:7-9 “The Lord of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Come, behold the works of the Lord, how He has brought desolations on the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; He burns the chariots with fire.”

Prayer: Father God, thank You for showing us what love looks like in the sacrifice of Your Son on our behalf. Help me to apply this love I have received through the Holy Spirit living in me. Direct me in acts of love towards the hurting, poor, orphans, and widows. Soften my heart as I open it to You to make me more like Your Son in laying down my life for others.

Proverbs 10:17-18 “Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life, but he who rejects reproof leads others astray. The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever utters slander is a fool.”