1 COR. 13
One of the most important lessons in life is learning to love and develop a relationship
with God. As Christians, we realize that God wants us to have a purpose in life as
did his son, Jesus, the Christ. During his lifetime, Jesus met with much opposition for
his teachings, even by his loyal Disciples. Yet he never lost patience with them, but
sought to instill in them many lessons of love.
Love is making sacrifices, even as Christ did for us to take away our sins. Although
he was aware of the suffering ahead of him and might have avoided it, yet he was willing
to die for our sins.
As Christians and Disciples, we must show our love of God by loving others and
become doers of the word sharing love whenever the opportunity presents itself. God
placed each one of us on this earth for a purpose. Telling us that one day we will stand
before him to determine how we treated one another—not only in church, but also in
reaching out in love to those in te community and elsewhere in the world. The opportunities
to express our love to others often come and go quickly so we must take every
opportunity to show it to reflect the faith we have in the love of Jesus, our savior.
Love is accepting non-believers, giving them friendship. We must be doers of the
word and not hearers only, for faith and service go hand in hand. It is through projects
such as Habitat for Humanity, Heifer Project, Loaves and Fishes that we can express
our love as Disciples. No task was too menial for Jesus such as washing the feet of his
Disciples, evidence of the love that flowed from him.
The bible tells us everyone is called to serve God by serving others out of love for
God. Everything twe have is a gift from God and we know that without him we have
nothing. Whatever ability God gave each of us should be used for blessing others. We
must love to be loved, and serve to be served. It is opportunities like these to reach out
to friends, co-workers and neighbors. Millions of lives would be touched and the church
would be known for the love it shares.
God would be pleased with us and we would see a spiritual awakening in these
difficult times. God expects us to be partners with him in sharing the good news. Whatever
abilities he gave each of us should be used for blessing others through our love for
God.
How great is your love?
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, we want to live our lives doing your work here on
earth. Through our acts may we be worthy of your calling and the love we receive
from you without end.
Amen
Gloria Sing Louie is a longtime member and spiritual elder at First
Christian Church of Sacramento