Bible Reading: Job 33, Jam. 4:9-17
“Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin” – James 4:17 (KJV).
When you give your life to Christ, it is common to continually examine yourself as to whether you are still in the faith by running away from sins. We usually look out for adultery, fornication, cheating, stealing, lying, murder and such apparent sins. While it is important that we ensure we are far from such sins, there are a number of other sins that are equally important but we do not check regularly or we have the tendency to overlook. Take for example, a man that sees someone who is in need and you have what is needed to meet the need of that person without hurting yourself, when you fail to meet that need, you would have failed God in that instance. That is what Matt 25:41-46 talks about. When you see the hungry and you do not give him food, the thirsty and you do not give him water, the naked and you do not give him clothes, the stranger and you do not take him in, you are neglecting God and sinning against him.
Christmas is fast approaching, there are ample opportunities for us to support others and care for their needs to show forth the love of Christ during and after the festivities. He created us to support each other and so as Christians, we should continuously look out for opportunities to show love of Christ to others. This is why Apostle James says in James 4:17(KJV): “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”
God is love and we are created in his image and should show forth love to all those we come across. It is by our well doing that we will be able to win more souls to Christ.
I read of a story of a woman who was a Christian and her husband was a non-believer and he had a lot of un-believers as friends such that they came to their home to drink alcohol and did all such things that could anger the wife. They kept tempting her to see if she would abuse her husband or even fight him. But in spite of all provocations, the woman remained respectful and loving. One day, the man and his friends came very late, and willingly inconvenienced the woman, disturbed her sleep and made a mess of the house and rather than fight back, she kept her cool and remained loving. That night the men broke down, had encounter with Christ and gave their lives to Him!
This is the ministry that God has called us, male and female, and that is why Jesus says in Matthew 5:16 (KJV): “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Action Point: Can it be said of you that your light shines? Please check yourself and make necessary amendments.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero