But the end of all things is at hand; therefore, be serious and watchful in your prayers. And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
Memory Verse: Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Philippians 2:4.
A few days ago I was watching a short drama being presented by some of the children at the SCLC Primary Education Support Centre and it was that of the good Samaritan. It was short, precise, simple and almost with no words but easy to understand by the audience. There was no need for further explanation but it reminded me of just how the world has changed in direction.
The parable of the good Samaritan is one of the beautiful parables shred by Jesus when He was asked the big question “what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Luke 10:25. Jesus knew the man knew the law but had no understanding so He told this short story to further explain the term “neighbor” and with that short story, the man had clarity and understanding of the word of God.
Most of us have become like the priest and the Levite being described by Jesus in the parable Luke 10:25-37, we focus so much on being self-righteous that we forget God only rewards complete obedience to His word. We seem to focus hugely on service, service and more service but that ought not to be. We get carried away and ignore everyone around us assuming that God is more interested in the long hours we spend praying and doing church activities but in fact, we read all about the life of Jesus on how He spent majority of His time showing love through teaching, feeding, supporting, healing and ultimately sacrificing.
While today’s bible verse encourages us to spend time praying, it is very important that we continue to show love. The commandment to love is not one which can be separated by the act of showing it hence it’s impossible to simply say I love my neighbor without physically showing it. Love is meant to be expressed and without action, love remains just mere words.
Are you spending all your time on just yourself and your relationship with God? God wants you to spend time with Him but He is also interested in you spending time loving your neighbors as this is what we must all do if we truly desire eternal life.
Jesus said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40.
PRAYERS
- You are an amazing God and I thank you Lord for your faithfulness
- Thank you for never leaving nor forsaking me
- Help me to love you more Lord, love my neighbors and be practical in giving
- Let your goodness pass before me O Lord and help me to listen when you direct
- Help me to be rightly positioned in your presence, not to move away nor be far from you
- Draw me nearer Lord and let my life be an expression of your grace.
- Help me to hear clearly when you are Instructing and not hear the voice of strangers
- Forgive me Lord of all my iniquities, bless me abundantly and make me a blessing unto others, in Jesus mighty name I pray, Amen
