Bible Reading: 1 Sam. 19, 20 & 21. Luke 11:28-54.
“But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.” – Luke 11:42 (KJV)
Christianity is about love. Jesus showed love and compassion at all times and so expects his followers to show love always. This is succinctly stated in 1 John 4:7-8 (KJV), “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. [8] He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.”
How do we show love to others? It’s by empathizing with them. Ensuring that we share what we have with those that do not have. This involves, time, money, knowledge, business and other gifts that God has given unto us. As Christians, we should realize that whatever we have is given to us as custodians for those that do not have and should therefore be dispensed to them as the need arises.
Are you in any place of work as a leader, how are you dispensing your knowledge to others to make them effective leaders in future? How well do you also reward them for work done? Is it commensurate with the results achieved? That is part of love expected to be shown as Christians. And as a father or mother, how do you show gratitude to your spouse and other family members irrespective of their gender and status in life?
In all situations and irrespective of status, God expects us to show love in everything we do and that is why it is said in Philippians 2:3 (KJV), “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” This is why Jesus reprimanded the Pharisees because they were more concerned about compliance with laws than showing love and compassion. Thus he said in Luke 11:42 (KJV): “But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.” Love is so important that it is the first part of the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22 ) and the summary of the Ten Commandments as shown in Matthew 22:37-40.
Prayer: Father engrace me to be able to examine my life and identify areas I am not showing love and I will begin to show it from today.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero