– Scripture:
‘You do well when you complete the Royal Rule of the Scriptures: “Love others as you love yourself.” But if you play up to these so-called important people, you go against the Rule and stand convicted by it. You can’t pick and choose in these things, specializing in keeping one or two things in God’s law and ignoring others. The same God who said, “Don’t commit adultery,” also said, “Don’t murder.” If you don’t commit adultery but go ahead and murder, do you think your non-adultery will cancel out your murder? No, you’re a murderer, period. Talk and act like a person expecting to be judged by the Rule that sets us free. For if you refuse to act kindly, you can hardly expect to be treated kindly. Kind mercy wins over harsh judgment every time.’
James 2:8-13 MSG
– Reflection:
Actions of Sacrifice
In the Bible, James challenges believers with the command to love their neighbors as they love themselves. Believers are instructed to love God with all their being and possessions. Only then are we able to prioritize the needs of our neighbors over our own. It’s easy to make sacrifices for family, but what about making sacrifices for a stranger or someone who is not well-liked? Doing great things for anyone in need truly is a sacrifice. Jesus did this for all of us and asked for nothing in return. Truly amazing.
Where do we go from here?
What do our attitude and actions of sacrifice and giving reveal to others about Jesus? Sacrificial giving of our money, time, love, talents, and gifts to others shows that we trust the Lord to provide, supply, and replenish all of those things in our lives. It demonstrates that He truly is the center of our hearts.
Our Prayer for Today
Father God, You are our generous Provider who selflessly pours into our lives. Father, teach us to be generous, to give without counting the cost, and to sacrifice without seeking recognition or reward. In Jesus’ name. Amen.