by Jordy van Gaalen

Everyday Acts

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking this SoundCloud link.

“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
1 John 3:16-18 New International Version

At times, it can be more difficult to do the everyday acts of love. The acts of love that aren’t as self-rewarding or glamorous. The ones that don’t feel like a mission trip or obvious ministry. The acts of love that involve the people right in front of us.

Loving the people that we have wronged, loving the people that we pass by. Loving our family and friends, the neighbors that get on our nerves. Loving the neighbor who nitpicks us. Loving the friend who told us off. Loving people who left us feeling neglected. 

Sometimes love requires self-denial or little sacrifices that no one sees or acknowledges. Putting ourselves and our desires aside when there is no applause or praise. These can be the hardest to carry out. 

Love is practical, it is not always heroic or exciting. It is not always martyrdom. Keep on loving, even if there is no fulfillment or return. 

“If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?”
James 2:15-16 NIV

Just to say that you love someone is empty without action. I’m sure we’ve been on both sides of the fence. It is not easy to hear someone say they love us, yet treat us in a way that yells the opposite.

We are asked to love those whom God loves (which is every single soul). We are asked to love how Jesus did. 

We are to follow Jesus’ example. Jesus continued loving in the face of abandonment and jeers and violence. And He demonstrated His love, meeting people where they were at – meeting us where we are at, and providing for physical and spiritual needs. They often went hand in hand when Jesus was doing His ministry on earth – caring for the physical ailments and speaking to those areas where they needed the Gospel most.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado