Passage of the Day:
You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 5 They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. 6 We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit[a] of truth and the spirit of falsehood. 7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love, 1 John 4:4-8.
Reflection:
As followers of Jesus in Antioch earned the nickname Christians by local citizens in Acts 11:26, the disciples already knew the inspiration behind charity. As a member of Jesus’ inner circle, John speaks of the power of the Holy Spirit deep down inside of those who enter into a personal relationship with Jesus, Romans 10:9-11. Without mentioning the Devil, John wants any doubting or struggling Christians to know that the power of God is greater than the forces in this world. Therefore, if you find yourself fighting a losing battle, a life void of any charity, lean on the power of the Holy Spirit to help you overcome doubt by beginning to loving others.
Prayerful Action:
No temptation[c] has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted[d] beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted,[e] he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it, 1 Corinthians 10:13.
Learning to Love this December as God Loves You:
The apostle Paul addresses Christians who aren’t quite right in Philippians 2:3-4. If you find yourself falling prey to temptation, addicted and held in bondage to sin, charity is the last thing on your mind. Paul suggests that sometimes you have to take care of your own spiritual needs before you can help others, removing sin from your own life first, Matthew 7:3-4. Yet, in your struggle with sin, greater is He who is in you than is in this world. When you place your trust in the inspiration behind charity, the love of God will shine through you as you stay connected to Jesus.
Song of the Day:
Final Thoughts:
We all go through rough stretches in life. This may last weeks, months or even years. Yet, when you place your hope and trust in the inspiration behind charity, God’s love will shine through you after the storms of life subside.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 