Love in Action: Love One Another
Wednesday, July 8, 2020
Today's Scripture
"By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:35 NIV
Thoughts for Today
Christ calls us as his followers to be one in unity. Our unity is made visible to the world by the love we show for one another.
We read in Acts 2 how the early church showed remarkable unity. All the believers were together and shared what they had with one another. They took care of one another's needs and spent time together in worship and in fellowship. They ate together in one another's homes.
And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity — all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. Acts 2:44-47 NLT
The result of this loving unity? "Each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved."
Consider this ...
Each day people were being saved! Not once a month or every few weeks. Daily! Why do you suppose the love these believers had for one another convinced the world around them to believe in Jesus and become a part of his body?
Nowhere on earth – in the past or the present – do people see this kind of love among people of different backgrounds. Such loving treatment among such a diverse and large group of people can only happen by supernatural means. Jesus living inside each believer causing them all to love and take care of one another. Consequently, the world around these early believers became convinced that the Christ about whom they testified was alive and real.
The same principles apply today. Unconditional love is attractive to a world that is lonely and filled with despair. Are we willing to set aside our differences to help one another and demonstrate unconditional love to the world? Are we willing to let them see Jesus in us?
Prayer
Father, help me live in such a way that others can see the love of Jesus in me. Help me to love others unconditionally. In Jesus' name ...
These thoughts were drawn from … One Nation Under God: Toward Race Reconciliation by Donna Saunders, Ph.D. and Jean Leak, MS, RN. This study discusses barriers between people and shows how to make Christ visible through love in action. This guide also offers the way to strengthen and bond relationships. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.
PO Box 22127 ~ Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421 ~ 423-899-4770
©Living Free 2020. Living Free is a registered trademark. Living Free Every Day® devotionals may be reproduced for personal use. When reproduced to share with others, please acknowledge the source as Living Free, Chattanooga, TN, www.LivingFree.org. Must have written permission to use in any format to be sold. Permission may be requested by sending an e-mail to [email protected]
