Listen

This is how we know love: Jesus laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. But if someone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but refuses to help—how can the love of God dwell in a person like that?

1 John 3:16-17

Think

I recently discovered that emoji with hearts – the heart emoji, heart eyes emoji, two hearts emoji, sparkle heart emoji – are in the list of the top 5 most frequently used emoji. Clearly, we’re happy to declare our enthusiasm or affection to the world on social media and in texts!

The love God is offering to us is much more amazing than a simple declaration of enthusiasm, though. Jesus loves us so much that he laid down his life for us, the ultimate sacrifice. Not only that, Jesus’s love should prompt us to sacrifice for one another: to “lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.”

How could we possibly do that: lay down our lives? The writer of 1 John spells it out for us: we should use our own material possessions – our money, our belongings – to help those in need. More difficult than a simple “like” on social media, this action can bring some relief to the suffering of others – and can show the sacrificial love of God to our world.

Jane Claspy Nesmith

Pray

God, remind me of your love that dwells in me, so that I may have the strength to give my own money and possessions when others are in need. Remind me that this is the way I may show your love. Amen.

Go

Go, knowing that the good shepherd is with you

In grassy meadows,

Beside restful waters,

Through shadowy dark valleys.

Go, knowing that the good shepherd, Jesus Christ,

Claims you as his own.