‘Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.’ – 1 Timothy 4:12 NKJV
Have you ever been pushed to your limit and had to hold back from retaliating? It can be tough to maintain composure in those moments. However, in the scriptures, we always see Jesus reacting with love when faced with situations like this.
In Jesus Christ we not only receive a message to believe but also see an example to emulate (Philippians 2:5). Our behaviour and way of life should always represent Christ to the outside world and walking in love is a great way to go.
According to John 13:35, a believer’s life should demonstrate God’s love to both the church and the rest of the world. God’s love ought to be evident in our words, deeds, and responses. We are to walk in the spirit and exhibit the fruits of the spirit (Galatians 5:22).
We ought to model God’s love to the world because as believers, our conduct matters. When we receive Christ, we also receive the ability to love (1 John 4:19). We must therefore emulate Christ in our roles at work, at school, in our interactions with others, and even in our inaction. Forgive those who hurt you, help others when you can, speak in a godly manner and show love.
Luke 10 tells us about a Samaritan who saw a Jewish man half dead on the street and offered to help him even though the Jews despised the Samaritans. The Samaritan paid for his medical care and offered to pay more as necessary. What an example! Our love to others isn’t tied to what people do to us, instead, it is tied to the Word of God, and what it says.
The Bible captures it this way in 1 John 3:18, “Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.”
Dear believer, let your love shine brightly in a world like ours; reflecting God’s love and exemplifying godly behaviour. If you are full of love, it will be heard in our words and seen in our actions as we relate with others, evangelise, and pray. It will be seen in how much you give to the gospel. It is our duty to spread the Good News of salvation. How Christ centred are you?
Be an example. Show love, say it, and act it
Bible Reading Plan: 1 Kings 12-14