Absorbing God’s Word
“Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.” 1 John 4:20
Applying God’s Word
A few days after Christmas, Louise and I went to lunch with our neighbors, Hector and Dora. While driving, Hector suddenly pulled over, jumped out of the car, and said, “Jack. Quick. Come with me.” We entered a bakery where he purchased a half dozen bakery items and separated them into three bags. Hector had spotted a few people on the street who needed a hug from Jesus.
We approached Peter, first. Hector handed him one of the bags of bakery items. I handed Peter some money and together we prayed with him. We walked about 20 feet further and did the same with a woman named Lucera and then with a man named Kevin. Peter and Kevin both smiled from ear to ear. Lucera sobbed tears of appreciation.
Hector’s spiritual antenna was fully extended. It allowed God’s incredible love to touch three strangers. His actions reminded me of a quote from Boniface Hicks. “Sorrow shared is half the sorrow and joy shared is twice the joy.”
It’s so easy for us to boast about loving God. It’s not that easy when God asks us to love a total stranger who is often prejudged by others.
Accounting of God’s Word
“Challenge” Do I only love God in the easy things He asks of me, or do I also love God in the more difficult things He asks of me?