Devotional: “If I gave everything I have to the poor…but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing” (1 Cor 13:3 NLT). What a statement! We can perform the most sacrificial, noble action for others, but if it’s not done from a place of love, it’s worthless. The point isn’t giving stuff away (in some situations, just giving stuff away can actually be harmful. If you’re curious to learn more about this, check out Toxic Charity by Robert Lupton). This goes back to the fact that only God’s love as shown in Jesus can restore our own brokenness. When we truly experience his healing love, we can then let his love flow through us. Our care for those in need can then be the fruit of our connection with God’s Spirit, characterized by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and so on (Gal. 5:22-23).
Prayer: Jesus, thank you that you love me and that you entrust me with showing your love to those around me. Please help me to open my life to your healing work so I am better prepared to help those around me. Help me to stay close to you so my work will be characterized by the fruit of your Spirit, not mine.