DEVOTIONAL 12
Friday, February 17
Why Giving and Generosity?
Identifying with Christ
16 By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. 17 But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? 18 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. —1 John 3:16–18
Jesus’ willing sacrifice is the picture of love and the standard by which we live. It’s unlikely you will be called to give your life for a brother, but you do have the frequent opportunity to mimic that love by providing material goods to those in need. The Holy Spirit within you will prompt you to action to fulfill the needs of your brothers. Closing your heart to generosity in the face of need is a willful act that contradicts the Christian life. Love is a choice that is identifiable by sacrifice.
PRAY
Jesus, thank You for Your love. I don’t deserve Your care or sacrifice, but I am grateful for it. Serving others is a great gift, and I pray my acts of giving to those in need will point them to You. Amen.
ACT
Memorize 1 John 3:17 as a family. Use this verse as a conversation starter around the dinner table this evening, asking members of your family to share ways in which they shared the love of Jesus with another.
FROM PASTOR CONNOR BALES
