Free to serve – 28 April 2021
By Xanthe Hanox
Um(Imi)bhalo weBhayibheli
1 kaJohane 3
If you could summarise today’s passage in just a few words, the old saying “Put your money where your mouth is” would do a pretty good job. If we believe in something or if we know something is wrong, rather than simply talk or complain about it; we should take action to support the cause or to fix the problem.
And as the other old saying goes, “Love is a verb.”
This is precisely what the apostle John teaches about love. Love is not merely a word to be used in support. Love is shown to be real by our actions.
Love sees the hurt and the brokenness in our world and does something about it. Love goes out and serves others.
At the cross, Jesus took action to show the greatest love of all. He gave up his life for us, and he also instructed his followers to go out and demonstrate sacrificial love for others. The resurrection of Jesus empowers believers with the joy and freedom to live by his love.
God’s love fills us with a desire for honesty, integrity, humility, justice, and respect for all people. Jesus’ resurrection power frees us to go out and share the burdens of people who are suffering, to spend time with people who are lonely, and to seek justice for those who are persecuted and oppressed.
As you celebrate freedom in Christ through the resurrection, let God show you where you can serve and show his love today.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, fill us with your love, justice, mercy, and compassion. Give us eyes to see the world as you see it, and give us the courage to serve others in your freeing love. Amen
