Loves calling card
I was talking to an old friend of mine; someone that I have not seen in almost 20 years. (Since I was a teenager.) And she complimented me on how much of a gentleman I have become, which I of course appreciated, and I’m trying not to get a “big head”. The Bible commands us “not to think more highly of ourselves than we ought…” so as much as I want to blow my own horn. I cannot.
This message is not about me being a “good guy”. If people knew some of the wicked thoughts that I had they would never call me a “good guy”. I’m just a sinner saved by grace, and it is only because of the love that God showed me that I can show love to others.
I was reading Romans chapter 12, and a few verses stuck out in my mind with regards to what my friend said, and I would like to share them with you.
Romans 12:9-13-“Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence; fervent in Spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; persevering in tribulation, devoted to one another, contributing to the needs of the saints; practicing hospitality.”
I appreciate very much what my friend said, but it always strikes me as odd when someone acts surprised because of our niceness. As a Christian I think that is our highest calling.
Not just to be nice, but to “give preference to one another in honor”. Study, read about the life of Jesus that’s what He was all about. He went to the Cross because He loved us(He gave us preference)!!! That is what I call giving preference to other people, not many of us are going to die for their antagonists. BUT HE DID!!!!! PRAISE GOD THOUGH HE ROSE FROM THE GRAVE, AND CONQUERED DEATH AND HELL!!!
Because of the love that He showed us, and the promise that we have in Him, of Eternal Life, we can also show preference to other people.
My Pastor preached a series on love, and in his introductory sermon he made a statement that I really liked, and I believe we need to understand as Christians if we are going to be what Jesus called us to be. He said that Jesus never made the statement that the world will know we are His because we’re at the church every time the doors are open, or that world will know we are His because we give a million dollars to the church. (But, if you have a million dollars to give away; I’ll give you my address, and you can send it to me! LOL)
But Jesus did say, “By this, all men will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35,emphasis mine)
So, while I do appreciate, very much, the kind words of my friend. No one should ever be surprised by our love, hospitality, kindness or politeness that should always be our calling card. It should be who we are because it is who He is!!!!!!!
I John 4:8, “The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.”
Yes, You Can Ministry 