17 But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?

1 John 3:17

If love does not culminate in action or sacrifice, it is not love. Have you not read in John 3:16 that God so loved the world that He gave His Son? As a child of God, love is your identity. Since you are born again, love is who you are. Therefore, it is not an option to express God’s kind of love. We ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. This does not necessarily mean taking a bullet for the person; but if necessary, we should be able to do that. There are many ways you can lay down your life for someone. You could make a great sacrifice, put yourself out of the way, or become uncomfortable because of the brethren. Love is not only in words but also in actions (1 John 3:18).

When you have this world’s goods, and see your brother in need, you should not shut up your heart to him. It is easy to give out a bunch of scruffy clothes or few faded jewelry you don’t really like anymore. What about giving a car out of the three cars you have, to a family in your church that attends all the church services faithfully, but does not own a car? Love can actually take a car key and give it to that family. It may not be your best car but it may not be your worst either. That is love. Or, how about being a landlord, with a couple of rooms to rent and you see somebody who has an accommodation problem? You could help: that’s love. You may not die tomorrow, but even if you lived to be 90, you cannot go with your cars to the grave. If you have this world’s goods, share them.

Sometimes when love is abused, people draw back and say, “I am not doing this again.” Sadly, you lose your blessing when you do that. Pray for wisdom, even when you are reaching out to the person next door, because that person may actually be an unrepentant criminal who wants to take advantage of you. God will give you the wisdom and you will know when to reach out in love and also when to step back, still in the attitude of agape love.

Confession:
I walk in love especially through my giving. I have the wisdom of God to discern who to reach out to in love.