Sharing God's Love

June 23, 2009

~Denise Grant

 

“By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35

 

Something to Think About:

 

~Has there been someone in your life who helped you have more faith in God because of the way they conducted their life?

~Do your attitudes and actions draw people closer to God or push them away?

~How can you show more love to someone who needs to know God?

 

      The best way to share your faith with others is by living a life of obedience and love. How will others know what you mean by saying that “God is love” if you simply do not act it out?

 

     When Peter wrote to a small group of Christians who had been persecuted and ridiculed for their faith, he said, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” 1 Peter 3:15

 

     You should be prepared to tell others how you know God is real and how He has made you into a new person through Jesus Christ. Have you ever thought through what you would say to someone who wants to have a personal relationship with God? Do you have a couple of Bible verses memorized that you could share with them? Would you be ready to pray with them?

 

     Just as important as having words to say is the way we conduct our lives. Many people have quit going to church or even refuse to visit because of the bad attitudes and activities of those who call themselves Christians. Jesus tells His disciples (that’s you and me) that the easiest way people will know that they have a real and powerful relationship with God is by how they love one another.

 

     One of the greatest and most powerful expressions of love is found in 1 Corinthians 13 (The Living Bible version) “Even if I had the gift of faith so that I could speak to a mountain and make it move, I would still be worth nothing at all without love. If I gave everything I have to poor people, and if I were burned alive for preaching the Gospel but didn’t love others, it would be of no value whatever. Love is very patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud, never haughty or selfish or rude. Love does not demand its own way. It is not irritable or touchy. It does not hold grudges and will hardly even notice when others do it wrong. It is never glad about injustice, but rejoices whenever truth wins out. If you love someone you will be loyal to him no matter what the cost. You will always believe in him, always expect the best of him, and always stand your ground in defending him.” 

 

     Does this kind of love define who you are? Can you say you truly love others by God’s standard of definition? Do you show love to your family through your words and actions? How about to your friends? Do your co workers see Christ in You? Can your neighbors tell if you are a Christian?

 

     “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8

 

God will…

 

Give you love for others – “May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.”

1 Thessalonians 3:12

 

Bring people close to Him – “But I, by your great mercy, will come into your house; in reverence will I bow down toward your holy temple.”

Psalm 5:7

 

Use your example – “Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.” Daniel 12:3

 

     Copy or print the following Scripture as a simple, yet effective way to share with others how they can know God. It’s called “The Roman Road” –

 

• Romans 1:20-21
• Romans 3:23
• Romans 5:8
• Romans 6:23
• Romans 10:9-10
• Romans 10:13
• Romans11:36

 

     Prayerfully look for opportunities to share this message of Salvation with the people God places in your life!  He just may have given you, the only chance they may ever have, to be introduced to Him.

 

Father God,

 

     Thank You for saving me and giving me life eternal. I ask You today for the courage to tell others all about You and the strength to share Your love. May everyone see You in me in all I do and say. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Denise Grant - Just "clay" in the Master Potter's hands.

 

The man who walks with God always gets to his destination.

If you have a  pulse you have a purpose.