1 John 3:17 If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?
I have always been a giver. I’m the type that I would give away everything I have to help others out and then find myself in need in the end. I love to give and find such joy in helping. Today’s verse takes us into the book of 1 John where the Apostle John speaks on the subject of helping those in need. There are a few verses in both the Old and New Testament that tell us we are to provide for those in need. But what is behind that service? Is it being done out of obligation, because we are told to do it? Or is it motivated by something else?
John writes to anyone having material possessions. In today’s day and age that would be almost all of us. We live in a society that likes stuff. We like buying bigger and better things and the more money we have, the more money we spend. We are exactly who this verse is addressed to, so pay attention to what comes next.
He says to us that if we see a brother or sister in need and don’t do anything the love of God is not in us. Ouch. We are called to love others as Christ loved the church. Would He turn away from one in need or would He do something to help meet their needs? He fed 5000 people one time because they were both spiritually and physically hungry. He didn’t turn away. So why would we?
The Greek form of love is once again agape. By this point in the month nearly every verse we’ve discussed has been this form. It is the highest form of love, the love of God. It is a perfect love, sacrificial, and unconditional. We choose to give to those in need with a sacrificial love, freely and joyfully giving from the plenty that we have to help bless their lives.
As I wrap this up today I feel conviction. I have plenty, more than I need. God has blessed my family and continues to provide. But am I helping those in need? Or am I turning a blind eye to them, pretending not to see? Ask yourself the same questions and evaluate the love you share with others. We don’t have to give everything. But we should be giving something when we see the need.
Prayer: Lord, Thank You for blessing me with more than I need. Help me to share these blessings with those in need when I see them. Amen
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