The Pattern Of Gracious Love
If a person owns the kinds of things we need to make it in this world but refuses to share with those in need, is it even possible that God’s love lives in him? My little children, don’t just talk about love as an idea or theory. Make it your true way of life, and live in the pattern of gracious love. 1 John 3:17-18 (TVNT
Are you living in the pattern of gracious love?
When asked to describe themselves, I’ve never met anyone, (Christian or otherwise) who has said, “I am evil, selfish, cruel and unkind.” I’m sure those people exist, but thankfully, I haven’t come across them. Most people believe, regardless of whether it’s true, that they are good, kind, generous, and caring. I believe it. Don’t you?
To believe otherwise would cause quite a bit of discomfort. Then we would be forced to admit that maybe we’re just good at talking the talk, but falling short when it comes to walking the talk.
None of us wants to look at those opportunities to help others that we let slip by. We have so many opportunities to show the Father’s gracious love dwells in us, but we don’t take them..because….
- I’m tired
- I don’t feel like it
- They get on my nerves
- I might need it again
- I’m saving up for…
- That’s not my problem
- I paid a lot of money for that
- I can barely pay my own bills
- I don’t like him/her
- Every time I turn around they want something
His command is clear: believe in the name of His son, Jesus, The Annointed, and love one another as He commanded. 1 John 3:23 (TVNT)
Are you loving as Christ commanded?