A FRIEND IN NEED

A FRIEND IN NEED

READ:

1 John 3:11-18

My little children, let us not

love in word or in tongue,

but in deed and truth.

-1 John 3:18

Not long ago my wife, Janet and I bought a quantity of beef from a friend who raised cattle on a small farm.  It was less expensive than meat from a grocery store, and we put it in the freezer to use throughout the coming months.

Then a terrible lightning storm cut power throughout our area.  For the first 24 hours we were confident that the freezer would keep the meat frozen.  But when the second day came with still no word of getting our power back, we began to be concerned.

We contacted Ted, a member of our Bible-study group, to see if he had any advice.  He canceled an appointment he had and showed up at our doorstep with a generator to provide power for the freezer.  We were thankful that Ted helped us, and we knew it was because of his love for Christ.

The old saying “a friend in need is a friend indeed” took on a new meaning for us.  John reminds us in 1 John 3:18, “My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.”  Sometimes this means inconveniencing ourselves to care for the interest of others or receiving that help when we ourselves are in need.  After all Christ has done for us, it’s a blessing to be His hands and feet in loving one another. –Dennis Fisher

Father, thank You for making me a part of Your

family by giving Your Son Jesus for me.  Help me

to accept the care of others and also to serve them

out of gratitude and out of my love for You.

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When we love Christ, we love others.

INSIGHT

Christians are hated (v.13) because the world is at war against God (John 15:23-24; Romans 5:10; 8:7).  Jesus explained that this is so because the world hated Him first and because Christians are not of this world (John 15:18-19; 17:14).  This is consistent with similar warnings He gave to His disciples (Matthew 10:22; 24:9).  Those who live godly and holy lives will suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12).  But we can take comfort in Jesus’ promises of victory (John 16:33) and in the knowledge that those who are mistreated because of Him will be blessed (Matthew 5:11-12).

Have a blessed day and week ahead.

God Our Creator’s Love Always

Unity & Peace