We share because we love and give thanks to God
Question #1: Is there someone in your life who needs to experience God’s love and forgiveness right now?
Question #2: Have you ever shared your faith with others? Or do you ever feel confident about sharing your faith and God’s love with those around you?
Not many Christians will know this, but our love for God and His commandments is determined – and strengthened – by our fellowship with and love for others. God loves us, and we are called to love one another as He does. The Scriptures remind us:
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. (John 13:35)
Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. (1 John 4:7-8)
And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. (1 John 4:16)
How important it is to show genuine love to others, particularly those who are in great need of God’s love and forgiveness? As Christians, we are called to actively share God’s love and spread His Word, to witness to His love and provide a wonderful testimony. During the persecution of the early church, the Apostle Peter said in a letter to a small group of persecuted believers:
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear. (1 Peter 3:15)
Throughout the Scriptures, we are called to be ready to tell others how God has made us into a new creation through His Son Jesus Christ. What would you say to a person who wants to know more about God and Jesus Christ? Would you be ready to pray with strangers or share Christ with skeptics?
Just as important as having the right words to say or memorizing Bible passages is the way we live our lives. How many people have quit going to church because the preachers and ministers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ do not practice what they preach? Do you ever wonder why many non-believers refuse to accept Jesus Christ? Or why people are so quick to point out the bad attitude and activities of those who profess themselves to be “Bible-believing Christians”?
Jesus tells his disciples that the easiest way people will know that they have a true relationship with God is by how they love one another.
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. (John 13:34-35)
So, as a Christian, how do you show God’s love and forgiveness to others through your words and actions? How can you help people develop a close relationship with God?
You can start by sharing God’s love and forgiveness with them. Here are some amazing ways to do this:
- Perform random acts of kindness. Help children and the elderly cross the street. Share extra food with the homeless. Offer the garbage collector some coffee. Send a care package or gift card to someone who is going through a rough time. What other ways can you think of to share your time and wealth with others?
- Visit the sick and imprisoned. The Gospel of Jesus Christ mentions about visiting the sick and those in prison. Jesus himself is our model for both as He illustrates the importance of reaching out to those who often feel alone and abandoned. Visiting the sick is a fruitful way of reminding them of God’s healing power over sickness and diseases, as well as strengthening the faith. Visiting the imprisoned is to bring His presence to those who are paying for their crimes, as they also need to hear His Word and experience His merciful love and forgiveness.
- Host a camp for underprivileged youth. Be it a sports, arts, music, or skills camp, it would be a wonderful opportunity for you to reach out to the kids and young people who are in need of a mentor for guidance. Make sure you are not alone in this initiative. Get your church, community, company, or organization to contribute their time and resources to train and mentor the youth.
- Go on a short-term mission trip. Every Christian is called to mission. Sad to say, not every Christian is equipped for mission, and many Christians balk at the idea of going on a mission. If you think you are worthy and that God is calling you to serve in unfamiliar territory, then prepare your emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually. Talk with your church leaders about short-term mission opportunities, and go where God is sending you. People in other lands are waiting to hear and experience God’s love and forgiveness.
- Write a book. Share your experience of conversion. Tell others about how awesome God is and how His love and forgiveness has transformed your life and continues to do so. Sharing your testimony by writing a book is like giving your life away, and it’s what author Gregory McLeod to new visions and revelations did with his book The Apathetical Man. He said about his book, “This book is not my book, for it is our book to keep and share for the rest of our lives here on earth, if we are willing to do so.
What other ways can you think of to share God’s love and forgiveness? Anything you can think of, it should be an addition to, not as a substitute, for preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Realize that there are people who need God, and pray that God uses us to direct them toward Him.
The Damsel’s Files 