Daily Delight Devotional – Tuesday, July 2, 2024

My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.

– I John 3:18, NKJV

God’s love for us is profound and transformational. Because we are His children, we are called to reflect His love in tangible ways every day. Let us consider some actionable ways we can show love in action:

1. Acts of Kindness: Be a source of joy to someone every day. Simple acts of kindness, such as helping a neighbor or friend, volunteering when needed, or just offering a listening ear to someone in need can make a significant impact. Jesus used the Parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10 to emphasize the importance of acts of kindness.
2. Encouraging Words: Proverbs 16:24 says, “Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.” If you ask someone who stayed back in Church after their first time, over 50% will attribute it to having someone who encouraged them. Barnabas was dubbed an encourager because he realized that kind words have the power to uplift a person’s spirit and provide the strength they need to face life’s challenges.
3. Forgiveness: Jesus did not mince words with forgiveness. In his longest sermon, He was unequivocal about why forgiveness is necessary. Extend forgiveness to those who have wronged you. Holding onto grudges only hinders your ability to love fully.
4. Sharing Resources: One of the best lessons from the early church was sharing resources without holding back. God’s grace is meant to be shared. Be it the gospel or even things we own. Be generous with your resources whether it’s financial support, sharing your time, or offering your skills. Giving to others demonstrates God’s love in a practical way.
5. Praying for Others: Pray for those around you, including your enemies. Yes. Jesus emphasized this in Matthew 5:44: “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” Prayer is a powerful way to show love and bring God’s intervention into the lives of those around us.

Insight: Demonstrating God’s love involves practical actions becoming who God intends for us – to be like Him.

Prayer: Lord, help me to put Your love into action each day.

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Kings 5 – 10