As a young boy I often heard the family tell the story of my cousin who was killed in Iwo Jima during World War II. As a Marine he was leading his squad when
from behind them a Japanese soldier sprung out of concealed bunker to kill
them. He blocked the shooter by taking
the full impact of the bullets and died saving his buddies. Later my cousin was awarded the
Silver Star medal. Jesus once said, “There is no greater love than a love
that sacrifices all.” John 15:13
As a believer I’ve learned this simple rule. Talk is cheap;
action is everything. Children are especially good at identifying the hypocrites.
People hide behind a mask of righteousness while conducting themselves like a
depraved sinner. It gives Christianity a
bad name. On the other hand, we have
experienced a love beyond words that touched us in a magnificent way. This is
what makes discipleship extraordinary. This is the action that changes people, cultures,
and nations.
I learned no one cares about what you know, rather
they want to know you care.
In today’s reading the apostle John teaches how love
transforms our hearts into powerful action.
We know love by this, that He laid down His life for
us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoever has the
world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him,
how does the love of God abide in him? Little children let us not love with
word or with tongue, but with deed and truth. 19 We will know by this that we
are of the truth, and will assure our heart before Him in whatever our heart
condemns us; for God is greater than our heart and knows all things. 1
John 3:16-20
As a believer and disciple of Jesus, you are the most
powerful person walking on this earth. For the love of God inside you will
conquer all, for it is written, “Love bears all things, believes all
things, hopes all things, endures all things” 1 Cor. 13:7 and his “perfect
love casts out all fear.” 1 John
4:18
Jesus said, “if you live in life-union with me and if
my words live powerfully within you—then you can ask whatever you desire, and
it will be done.” John 15:7(TPT)
As a believer and disciple, you must open your heart to Jesus to allow his
love to work in you and through you. You
do this by being transparent with your wounds and grievances. Give your wounds to the Lord so he can heal
your heart from hardness to tenderness. Repent and forgive others for the
grievances. Keep your gunny sack empty
of grievances as this will eliminate bitterness and resentment in your heart.
Through this healing process the Holy Spirit can flow its
living streams of life through you and onto others. Knowing you are loved and healed, you will
see people as God sees people. It will
become your nature to act out of God’s love. You’ll be able to love the
unlovable. Forgive the unpardonable.
Console the brokenhearted.
Just in your tiny section of the world you’ll be able to have a powerful
impact with family, friends, and strangers.
The power of God’s love through you will change you, change others, and
change the culture. Just look how the believers conquered and changed the Roman empire!
1 comment:
Another great article Tom!
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