Love is SEEN by What it DOES
The Approval Process: Act Out
Today’s Devotional by Dr. David Jeremiah
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)
“Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load.’
“Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor. ‘
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Gal 6:1-10; NIV)
Last October two puppies, brothers Jeffrey and Jermaine, were found wandering the streets of Philadelphia. Though both dogs were frightened and sick, Jeffrey had the greater challenge—he was blind. Determined to care for his brother, Jermaine literally became a guide dog. He constantly stayed within touching distance of his disabled brother, and Jeffrey leaned on Jermaine for support. Without any training, Jermaine became a guide dog. The puppies were always seen touching each other and even slept holding each other. Their story melted the hearts of Philadelphians, and the brothers had no trouble finding a home.
If animals can be that devoted to each other, shouldn’t we be the same? Galatians 6 tells us, as we have opportunity, to bear the burdens of others, especially to those who are of the household of faith. We can affirm, appreciate, and approve of others by the way we treat them. We can bear their burdens. Love is worthless unless it acts out, unless it’s expressed in deed and behavior.
That’s not just puppy love; it’s agape love.
“Love is seen in what it does.”
Gladys Aylward
© 2014 Turning Point with Dr. David Jeremiah
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