1 John 3:16 This is how we know love: Jesus laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.
I love the letters of John. They are beautiful reminders of who God is and how we are to live as believers in the Truth. In the verse above, John tells us how we know love – through the laying down of our lives. Jesus tells about his Father’s sacrificial love for us in John 3:16 and how that love has saved us. The verse in 1 John brings that love full circle as it is saying that we are to show our own sacrificial love to those around us.
Right now we are all wondering what tomorrow will bring. We may be struggling to see hope in the midst of all the anxiety and stress. We realize there are people in our community who are in need, who could not store up the reserves of food and other supplies that we have in our homes. We know we are called to love those neighbors but our leaders tell us to keep our distance for everyone’s safety. How do we sacrificially love in a time like this?
We listen. There are voices yelling at us to be afraid, but we need to listen for the still, small voice of God. He will guide us to what He wants us to sacrifice. He will let us know in our heart where we are needed and what we should do. There are collection places set up in our area where we can drop off food for families in need. Maybe God is asking us to look at our supplies and see if there are items we could give out of our abundance, or maybe we are intentional when we go to the store for the millionth time, and we buy some extra granola bars and green beans for someone else. I believe God will let us know what we should do if we just breath and listen.
Dear God,
I would be lying if I said I am not anxious. But I know you are in control even when I can’t see it. I will listen for your voice, for your nudge to tell me what to do to help those who need me. I will be willing to sacrifice in order to love those around me. Help me be more in tune with you and respond to your call to love.
Listen for the still small voice of God,
Michele Hundley, Director of Missions and Youth Ministries