Christian love is active.
I was recently talking with a friend of mine about my summer mission trip and she said she would like to go next summer. She said it always made her feel really good when she was helping others. I immediately agreed with her, but the concept continued to run through my mind, long after our conversation was over.
My friend was right. Doing good to others always makes me feel good, but there’s something going on that’s much deeper than just feeling good. I think Christians have an intrinsic desire to love others because Jesus loved us. Love often translates into helping others.
But, it has to, doesn’t it? Love is active. We can say we love people all day long, but until we do something physical to show it, how do they know?
Jesus set the example of active love throughout his ministry. He healed others. He cast out their demons. He friended those who were friendless. He wept with his friends. He prayed with his friends. He listened to those who sought him out, even those who society deemed to be unworthy. He called out those who were on the wrong path, not to condemn them, but to save them. Ultimately, he died for us all so that we could live eternally.
Jesus’ examples of love for mankind were anything, but passive.
So, if we want to be Christ like or true followers of Christ, shouldn’t we follow some of Christ’s many examples of active love? I think it becomes really easy to show up to church on Sundays and put our offering in the plate and show up the next week and do the same thing.
Can we honestly consider that to be actively loving others?
I think the Holy Spirit gets really energized when we reach out and help those in need. I think we are filled with a special kind of joy that can only come from the Spirit. That’s the reason we feel so good when we are doing good for others. It’s a desire placed in our hearts before we were even born. It’s that pull to worship God and follow Jesus.
We often can’t name it, but it’s there deep inside, just waiting for us to listen and act, not because it’s required of us, but because we want to.
The Bible tells us, “Therefore, as we have the opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Galatians 6:10
So, if we are seeking some true joy in our lives, perhaps we should seek a way to help someone in need. The world is truly desperate for Christians to share our light and love. Let’s let it shine in any way we can.
Have an awesome day!
Wendy 🙂