No one commands the sun to shine. God allows it to shine of its own accord. No one bids trees to grow and bring forth fruit. That is a natural phenomenon. No one commands that two plus two MUST equal four. They are four.
Similarly, the person who accepts Jesus as Saviour needs no command to produce deeds of love and kindness. Our Lord’s disciples will be active in loving and serving all people especially brothers and sisters in Christ. This is the Apostle Peter’s meaning when he wrote, “Love Christians Everywhere” (1 Peter 2:17). A better translation would be, “Keep on loving Christians everywhere.”
A Christian’s identity is demonstrated by a vital concern for the growth and welfare of a fellow believer. We are told that the pagans during the First Century, were amazed at the love which Christians showed to each other. The Apostle Paul put it this way, “Let us do good unto everybody especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:10). When we as members of a Christian congregation manifest a strong love toward fellow believers in Christ we are fulfilling our Lord’s commands and are making progress toward becoming effective proclaimers of Him in our communities.
Let us be aware of the weaknesses of others and become more helpful and tolerant and tender in our love for each other. The oil and wine of the Good Samaritan are more profitable than the criticism and suspicion which condemn. A great need of our time is having more SERMONS IN SHOES—more Christians who are preaching Christianity by their imitation of Christ, more practicing Christians who “Don’t just pretend that you love others: really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of good, love each other with brotherly affection and take delight in honoring each other. (Romans 12:9,10).
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