06
Nov '24
November 6, 2024
06
Nov '24
It was for the sake of the Name that they went out. — 3 John 1:7
Our love for Jesus should be evident in how we care for others. When Jesus asked Peter, ‘Do you love me?’ and then said, ‘Feed my sheep’ (John 21:17), He was telling us to align ourselves with His concern for people, not to make Him fit into our own agendas. This kind of love is described in 1 Corinthians 13:4–8: ‘Love is patient, love is kind…’ It’s the love of God in action, not just a sentimental feeling.
When we serve others for the sake of Jesus’ name, the Holy Spirit fills us with God’s love, allowing us to share it with everyone we meet. This love keeps us faithful to Jesus, even when it seems irrational to the world. This faithfulness is a result of the Holy Spirit’s work within us.
A missionary’s devotion stems solely from his or her relationship with Jesus. This does not imply isolating ourselves from the world; Jesus was always among people. His separation was internal; he was completely devoted to God. Trying to avoid the world can occasionally reveal a hidden attachment to what we’re attempting to avoid. True missionaries have no attachments; their hearts are completely open to Jesus. Though they are ordinary people, the Holy Spirit has shaped their deep devotion to Him.
Pastor Chance