Doing Love

“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

(Galatians 6:10)

Reflection:

The world attempts to get us to focus on ourselves – this is the way a consumer society works. God tries to get us to focus on Him and others – that is the way the Kingdom works.

 The Holy Spirit is given to us not just for our personal benefit but for ‘the common good.’ (1 Cor 12:7) The abundant fruit that the Vine is expected to bear (John 15) is not for the vine to consume itself, but is for the blessing of those who pass by. Each one of us has something of value that we can share with, or give to, others. We will find that we have many opportunities to do so during the course of a day.

 A smile, an expression of gratitude, an enquiry about someone’s well-being, costs nothing. A telephone call, an email or letter or card costs little more than the time and effort.  A packet of biscuits or tin of something for a beggar will hardly break our bank. We just need to break out of our personal space fortress and allow that there is a human being out there whom God loves and who is waiting for His blessing through us.

 Within the ‘family of believers’ – our local Christian community – we should be more easily aware of needs and opportunities. We are told that one of the great marks of a Christian community should be ‘that they love each other.’ We need to be involved in making that love real and visible.

 So many of the people around us, whether materially rich or poor, successful or in need, are lonely and insecure. Although some would not acknowledge it they also feel unloved. You, and I, can make a difference to some people’s lives today. What is frightening is the minimum of effort that is really required of us.

Response:

Who have you blessed this week in such a way that they were surprised with joy?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father You have been so good to me, please help me to be good for others today. Amen.

—————