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. (1 John 3:17-18)
As we get to the end of the year, we find ourselves giving more and doing more for others. We go to charity events, we participate in toy rides and drives. We see and may even help distribute Thanksgiving meals. We find ourselves pulled emotionally and financially to care for those in need. We have many events coming up. On November 12th, we will have a "Bug Run" to raise money for those that have been devastated by Hurricane Ian. Many of our neighbors and friends have had their homes and lives completely destroyed in recent weeks and I can't help but believe that this is the very truth that John writes about. Let us not love in word or talk but in deed and truth. There is an expectation that we as believers ought to reach out to those in need. Not just economically but physically, spiritually and sacrificially. Christ life and sacrifice should push us to go that extra step to reach out. When we see a toy for tots box, we should help fill it. When we see a person in need, we should try to help, when we hear of someone's pain we should listen. There are so many ways to give beyond the economics but at the heart level. John specifically says, "in truth," meaning not in empty words but in actual honesty.
I am reminded of the story, about a young man, who was to return home and be married, but he came sooner than was expected. He did not notify his bride-to-be of the exact time. He desired to please her with a surprise. He loved her devotedly and had worked hard and saved his earnings in order to purchase a home for her. It was about midnight when he arrived, but, with a happy heart, he felt he must go by her apartment to let her know he was there ready for the wedding. However, when he came near he saw the house was all lighted up. As he came nearer to her house, he heard music. Still nearer he saw dancing. Finally looking through the window he saw his bride-to-be in the embrace of another man. His heart sank within him and he went away never to return.
If Jesus came today, where would He find His professed bride? Us the church. Would we be doing the work he has asked us to do or embracing the selfishness of this world and ignoring the needs before us?
Ephesians 2:10- For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
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