#246: Love is more than words

The 5 Minute Discipleship Podcast

There are a lot of common, ordinary sayings that are not in the Bible. We hear people mistakenly attributing these phrases to the Word of God, but they are simply not there. We hear people saying…

• Cleanliness is next to Godliness
• God works in mysterious ways
• Money is the root of all evil
• Once saved always saved
• Moderation in all things
• God helps those who help themselves

This last one has bothered me for years and whenever I hear someone use the phrase typically it’s a justification for not serving or helping those in need. Actually, the opposite is true: God helps those who can’t help themselves.

Today in our world there are millions who can’t help themselves.

• Those who can’t help themselves spiritually. This is why God calls all believers to be a part of the Great Commission.
• Those who can’t help themselves physically. Millions lack the basic necessities of life life food and water.
• Those who struggle to help themselves because of societal difficulties. These are people who are finding it difficult to help themselves because of: lack of education, lack of family support, physical and mental health issues, homelessness, lack of nutrition, no job training, and no opportunity.

We know that God calls us to love one another. But what does that love look like? Love is more than a feeling. It is more than words. Love is proven when it is demonstrated by action. Jesus has shown us what love looks like by his sacrificial death. As believes we are called to love others with this same selfless love.

Rationales to not help…

• I work hard. earn what I have, so should they.
• I have needs in my own family. I can’t help other families.
• Isn’t it the government’s job to take care of the poor?
• If you give to the poor, they will become dependent on the support.
• Someday when my ship comes in, then I’ll help.
• There is so much poverty in the world, how could I possibly make a difference.

I’m not sure if you have ever thought of, or used these rationales before, but I know I have. But then God has a way of getting through to your heart.

“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” (1 John 3:16-18 NIV)

Did you know there are over 550 bible verses that deal specifically with God’s heart for the poor?

Listen to some of these verses….

Proverbs 19:17 - “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.”

Proverbs 21:13 - “Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered.”

Notice that this is a biblical mandate, not a political agenda, a humanitarian philosophy, or even a social gospel. It’s a biblical mandate. It’s about developing in each one of us a heart that represents God’s heart in this world. So, as Christian people, we are to be standing up for those who are helpless, giving a voice to those who have no voice, reaching out to those in need, both spiritually and physically.

Our goal is to love like Jesus. In doing so it must be genuine, sacrificial, and without any expectation of return.

Today’s Challenge: Ask God to fill your heart with his love for others. Let the Holy Spirit lead you to meet practical needs around you. As you do, look for opportunities to meet spiritual needs by sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.