Practical application is always necessary to test the product. This verse is definitely a "robber meets the road" test for the true believer.

 

How much do we have of the world's goods? It is said that even the poorest person in America has more riches than 2/3rds of the world's population. This is a profound thought. If true (and it feels true) there are many ways to meet our needs if we choose to seek them out. This is a drawing card for so many around the world isn't it?

 

John knew that his flock, though not all wealthy, had what they needed. Now if a person continually sees the need of someone else and chooses to ignore that need than a red flag should go up. This indicator of the true heart of the person would reveal self not deed and truth as the passage states. Where there is no evidence of compassion, self exists.

 

Christians are to be filled with compassion. Verse 14 tells us that love for others is the catalyst for this live demonstration. Words are cheap. We all say things but do we follow up with actions? The proof of a genuine faith comes in "action."

 

James 2:14-17 tells us how to act. If we see a need but don't act on it then the words are meaningless and empty. True faith takes action as is stated here in 1 John. A saved person has "active faith." Seeing needs is part of our loving commission. Asking the Lord to help us implement action gives us a great purpose. (Ephesians 2:10) This is a proof of our already redeemed new birth.

 

It's exciting to see God's hand working in this way toward the saved and the unsaved. I enjoy, for example, leaving a generous tip at restaurant. My husband and I always pray before meals. Others may see this. If I'm not generous in my gratuity it may be a poor witness. When traveling I leave tracts and some $ for the maids who clean the room. I thank them for their hard work. Only the Lord knows what these acts of kindness will lead to. Kindness kindles hope and hope can open up doors of God's Agape love toward someone ready to receive Him.

 

When did you last practice with your words or deeds an act of kindness toward another?

How can you further your faith in action through the needs of someone else?

How tight do you hold on to your purse strings?

Isn't it exciting when you have been blessed to bless another. If we had more of this love in action maybe our world would see Jesus' Agape Love more clearly.

 

May we each shine His love in our deeds and words every day.

Sandra Davis for the Women in Discipleship team

 

FYI   We at Women in Discipleship have a wonderful "Compassionate Hearts" ministry. If you would like to help just ask.