Love God By Loving Others
When asked if we love God, many of us would say “yes” right away. The truth is, we show that we love God by loving others. Take a look at Matthew 25:31-46 this morning and see what that’s all about. The passage is long, but please read it. In the meantime, I’ve quoted a few verses below.
Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’ “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.
There is always one kid in school who always gets picked on. It’s the new kid, the boy with glasses, or the girl who doesn’t have the “coolest” clothes. We always find one person to pick on. Sure, it was worse in grade school, but it still goes on in high school. I don’t think we realize when we say something cruel about someone, or when we have the opportunity to help people but don’t, that not only are we not living up to the title “Christian,” but we upset God. God says in Matthew 25:45, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.”
What does God say about those who do not help others? He says, “They will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.” (Matthew 25:46) God has done one of the most wonderful things for us; He died that we might live.
So, the next time the “weird” kid has no one to sit with at lunch, or the new girl drops her books in the hall, remember who you are in Christ. Remember what Christ did for you. Showing your love for God through others is just one way of doing that.
Points To Ponder: What kinds of things do you see people doing to hurt others? What can you do to help those in need? What is the one thing you’ve done today to show your love for God through others?
Prayer Possibilities: Pray for those in need. Pray that God will grant you the strength to stand up and do something for those people. Pray that God will continue to use you to show love through others.
