Thoughts for the Day

We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us—and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses to help?

Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. And by this we will know that we are from the truth and will reassure our hearts before him whenever our hearts condemn us; for God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have boldness before God; and we receive from him whatever we ask, because we obey his commandments and do what pleases him.

And this is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. All who obey his commandments abide in him, and he abides in them. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit that he has given us.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

We looked at a passage from the First Epistle of John last week (Sunday 14 April 24) and today we return to this same wonderful letter. I looked at the second sentence and was immediately taken back a week to an experience a number of us had in the street in which I live. We may not all be called to give up our life for one another, but we are called to care for one another.

Last Sunday was like any other, except it wasn't raining. I went off to church to return to find relative chaos at home. The drain covers were up and the rods were out! The drains were blocked, only this time they had overflowed, not just from our house but from neighbours, above and below our house. The water board said it would be about four days before they came out, however, once more calls were made and when the words "vulnerable adults" were mentioned, they thought it might be a little quicker!

My Christian friends were wonderful, as offers of "tea, biscuits, showers and toilets" came in. You see helping others lies just as much in the small things as it does in the offering of our life for another. As children of God Christ calls us to offer accommodation and comfort to those who have been flooded out of their homes; he calls us to give items for the food bank for the hungry; lifts for those without transport; and comfort to the sick and sorrowing. John says "let us love one another in truth and action"!

Lord Jesus Christ,
we thank You for all who
have helped us in our hour of need;
those who have offered practical assistance
and those who have listened to our plight.
May we be as generous to others in need,
that all people may see our faith in You
is put into action,
and may we always abide in You,
and You in us.
Amen.