Loving God’s Family
ICS Daily Devotions
Matthew 22:37-39 (NKJV) Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’
Jesus taught us to do unto others as we would like others to do unto us. This is especially true when it comes to loving someone. Our love must be sincere, consistent and impartial. If we are to love our neighbour as we love ourselves, we will speak the truth to them even though it might hurt them, because we would naturally want the best for them as we would for ourselves. Loving someone with sincerity and authenticity should begin at the church, because if we cannot love the family of believers, how can we show love to those in the world?
Romans 12:13,15-16 (Amplified) contributing to the needs of God’s people, pursuing [the practice of] hospitality…Rejoice with those who rejoice [sharing others’ joy], and weep with those who weep [sharing others’ grief]. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty [conceited, self-important, exclusive], but associate with humble people [those with a realistic self-view]. Do not overestimate yourself.
The world has either consciously or subconsciously categorised people into different social strata. Therefore, we will seldom see a wealthy person taking someone from a different social class into their home to lodge or for meals, but Jesus is our best example of humility because He left the glory of heaven to dwell among us on earth. Those who think too highly of themselves and fail to view themselves as God’s stewards of their possessions will never help those in need and may even disassociate themselves from the lower strata of society.
One of the most renowned examples in the Bible illustrating such practices is the story of the good Samaritan. The victim was robbed, stripped, and left to die on the street. Both the priest and Levite passed by without helping him, but it was the good Samaritan who picked him up, put him on his donkey and brought him to the inn. He even chose to pay for all his expenses. The good Samaritan showed mercy, and God would like us to do likewise.
Galatians 6:10 (NKJV) Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
When was the last time you helped someone in need? When we bless someone or sow into their lives, we should not expect any return if the Lord has impressed upon our heart to help them. Because we are a steward of everything that we own, we are also a conduit of God’s blessings to those whom God has placed in our midst, in particular the household of faith.
Sermon Series: You Can Do It
