God's Glory Church

“Little children, let’s love not with word or tongue, but with deed and truth.” — 1 John 3:18

While waiting for a train at a station in Atlanta, Georgia, a young man dressed in a business suit sat down on a bench. Seeing how he was trying to tie his tie, the elderly woman asked her husband for help. As the man bent down and began to teach the young man how to tie a tie, the stranger took a picture of the three of them. Later, this photo appeared on the Internet and began to spread quickly. Many Internet users left comments under the photo about how to show kindness to strangers.

For Christians, showing kindness to others reflects the sacrificial care that God has shown to people. This is a reflection of God’s love, which He wants to see in His disciples: “that they love one another” (1 John 3:11). Apostle John equates hatred of a brother or sister with murder (v. 15). Then he talks about Christ, who gave an example of the manifestation of love in practice (v. 16).

It doesn’t have to be an incredible display of sacrifice. Selfless love simply requires recognizing the value of all people who bear God’s image and prioritizing their needs…every day. Everyday moments of caring, when we notice the needs of others and do what we can to help, are acts of self-sacrifice if we are motivated by love. If we look beyond our own needs and step out of our comfort zone to serve, we are loving like Jesus.

When have you experienced selfless love from another person? How will you show that love to others this week?

Loving Father, please help me to be ready to show compassion and selfless love wherever You direct me.

Author: Sosheel Dixon