Irvin Wasswa- Tylertown Campus Pastor LHBC
Romans 5:1-2; 6-8
5 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God 6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
One of my favorite things to do here in the city is play basketball. I love the game, and through playing at different gyms around town I have had the opportunity to meet and connect with so many people. One of my favorite guys to play with here in town loves talking trash while on the court. One of his favorite phrases he likes to shout while we play is “YOU GOTTA SHOW ME”. He usually directs that statement to the other guys on the court who love to boast about how great players they are. What’s funny is that several of those same guys who boasted about their “greatness” were oftentimes unable to back it up by how they actually played on the court. My friend would simply remind them that what they said on the court was meaningless if they are unable to actually demonstrate it.
Ecclesiasties 5:7 in the New Living Translation tells us that talk is cheap. Jesus in His ministry was more than just about talk, He was about action. He would make statements saying He was the Son of God and then back up those statements in His ministry. Paul here in Romans 5 speaks to God’s love for mankind. He shares how God demonstrated His love in sending Jesus to go to the cross for our sins. God didn’t just talk about it, He showed it! Hallelujah!
As children of God who have experienced this love by repentance and faith, the call for us then is to choose to show love. As we know love is more than just some kind of emotional feeling; rather it is a choice, and action. Our love for God and others is more than just what we may feel for that day, it is a choice that requires action every day. We can not just say we love God yet choose not to spend any time with Him in His word or in prayer. We cannot just say we love all people on social media yet choose to not associate with people who look different than we do in real life.
I am thankful that the God we serve is a God of demonstration. He showed His love for us at Calvary. May we be christians who follow God’s example. If we say we love God, let’s choose to fellowship with Him. If we say we love others, let’s choose to demonstrate that love by serving our neighbor, sharing the gospel with that friend, and engaging in fellowship and conversation with people no matter what they look like or where they come from. Talk is cheap my friend. Let us be people of action, loving others in word and in deed.
PRAYER FOR TODAY: Dear Heavenly Father Lord, thank you for being a God of demonstration in sending Jesus to die so I could have life in You. I am thankful to be at peace with You! Help me in these tense days in our world to follow His example. Help me to love You and others in word AND deed in these days. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
2 Timothy 2:15
15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.