27 February 2016
Al Gore on a Bike
1 John 3:18
Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.
Saying and doing are two different things. What gets us in the most trouble is when we profess something but then don’t live in such a way that supports our beliefs. For instance, Al Gore is very passionate about the fate of the climate, but if he were really as concerned as he says he is, he would not be able to stomach getting on a jet plane for sake of the environment. Yet, he travels using jet fuel and giant SUVs every time he goes to lecture people on the evils of the very things he uses to travel to his speaking engagements. That makes me think his passion about climate change is not sincere because his own practices haven’t changed to accommodate for the message he’s spreading. There’s never any news footage of him traveling by bicycle. Just saying.
How equally unbecoming for a Believer to accept the love and grace of Jesus Christ and profess a deep appreciate for these things yet live in such a way that denies his impact on our lives? Jealousy, grudge holding, and smack talking are not good indicators that there is love in our hearts for others. That’s why John tells us not to merely say that we love each other, we have to actually love each other by what we do. Just saying it and not doing it makes me an Al Gore level hypocrite.
Actions that show love according to 1 Corinthians 13:4-7...
*Being patient with someone.
*Being kind to someone. Offer help, hugs, and uplifting words.
*Don’t be jealous but thankful for the good someone else has.
*Don’t boast about or broadcast the good that we do for others.
*Don’t be rude by trying to “put someone in their place.”
*Don’t try to get my own agenda accomplished but prefer other people’s ideas and schedules.
*Don’t be irritated by others but give grace for their shortcomings instead.
*Never hold a grudge or keep score with someone over disappointments.
*Never ever be glad about someone’s misfortune or wish someone ill will.
*Encourage others heartily.
*Don’t write anyone off; always hope for reconciliation even if it doesn’t seem probable.
*Pray for God to give the one I am trying to love lots of godly wisdom and joy so that the Holy Spirit can work in that person’s life thereby making me free to love them like this list prescribes.
Dear God,
Thank you for loving me while I have certainly not deserved it. Help me not to fall into the trap of being a hypocrite thinking that others must deserve love from me. I want to freely give it because I freely get it and I want my actions to match my beliefs. I love you so much, and I just can’t thank you enough for the many ways you’ve shown love to me and the many ways you show me that I can show love to others. And I pray in Jesus’ name, amen.
Al Gore on a Bike
1 John 3:18
Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.
Saying and doing are two different things. What gets us in the most trouble is when we profess something but then don’t live in such a way that supports our beliefs. For instance, Al Gore is very passionate about the fate of the climate, but if he were really as concerned as he says he is, he would not be able to stomach getting on a jet plane for sake of the environment. Yet, he travels using jet fuel and giant SUVs every time he goes to lecture people on the evils of the very things he uses to travel to his speaking engagements. That makes me think his passion about climate change is not sincere because his own practices haven’t changed to accommodate for the message he’s spreading. There’s never any news footage of him traveling by bicycle. Just saying.
How equally unbecoming for a Believer to accept the love and grace of Jesus Christ and profess a deep appreciate for these things yet live in such a way that denies his impact on our lives? Jealousy, grudge holding, and smack talking are not good indicators that there is love in our hearts for others. That’s why John tells us not to merely say that we love each other, we have to actually love each other by what we do. Just saying it and not doing it makes me an Al Gore level hypocrite.
Actions that show love according to 1 Corinthians 13:4-7...
*Being patient with someone.
*Being kind to someone. Offer help, hugs, and uplifting words.
*Don’t be jealous but thankful for the good someone else has.
*Don’t boast about or broadcast the good that we do for others.
*Don’t be rude by trying to “put someone in their place.”
*Don’t try to get my own agenda accomplished but prefer other people’s ideas and schedules.
*Don’t be irritated by others but give grace for their shortcomings instead.
*Never hold a grudge or keep score with someone over disappointments.
*Never ever be glad about someone’s misfortune or wish someone ill will.
*Encourage others heartily.
*Don’t write anyone off; always hope for reconciliation even if it doesn’t seem probable.
*Pray for God to give the one I am trying to love lots of godly wisdom and joy so that the Holy Spirit can work in that person’s life thereby making me free to love them like this list prescribes.
Dear God,
Thank you for loving me while I have certainly not deserved it. Help me not to fall into the trap of being a hypocrite thinking that others must deserve love from me. I want to freely give it because I freely get it and I want my actions to match my beliefs. I love you so much, and I just can’t thank you enough for the many ways you’ve shown love to me and the many ways you show me that I can show love to others. And I pray in Jesus’ name, amen.
RSS Feed