Chosen by God!
Even when people do not respond positively to God’s message, spiritual leaders must maintain sincere love and compassion. John’s words in his first letter illustrates sincere love and compassion.
“16 This is how we have come to know love: He laid down His life for us. We should also lay down our lives for our brothers. 17 If anyone has this world’s goods and sees his brother in need but closes his eyes to his need—how can God’s love reside in him? 18 Little children, we must not love with word or speech, but with truth and action. 23 Now this is His command: that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another as He commanded us.”(I John 3:16-18, 23 HCSB)
In these verses we clearly see that Jesus is our example and definition of love. In giving His life for us He showed us what love is in action. Love causes us to care for others, give – even when it’s inconvenient, and to see the needs of others. If we are unable to do these things then love does not reside in us. Jesus challenges, commands, us to love in truth and action. We cannot turn a blind eye to the needs of others. Jesus commanded that we love God and one another.
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important command. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:38-39 HCSB)
He also told us that it’s through love that others will know that we are His disciples.
“By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35 HCSB)
We can rest assured that we can love because God has given us His love through His Holy Spirit.
“God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Romans 5:5b HCSB)
God’s love is, and will always be, the message to a dying world. It’s through love that we will greatly impact the world. And it’s God’s love that assures us that we can maintain sincere love and compassion. When we love God we can, and will, love others.
Be Encouraged! ❤
Leisa Wilkins Ministries
"Encouraging and Empowering you to become who God created you to be, God's Masterpiece, a Divine Original!"
Pastor | Author | Bible Teacher | Speaker | Encourager
www.leisawilkins.com