Dave’s Monday Blast – March 25, 2019
To be effective Disciple Makers we must emulate our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is His example that we must follow simply because we were created to bear His image (Genesis 1:26). We have noted that Jesus was kind in His dealings with people. Even in moments of chastisement He was gracious in speaking the truth and acting justly. But we concluded our discussions last week by stating that enduring kindness is motivated/covered by a “secret sauce”. 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 informs us that it is Love that compels us to act kindly and justly (Micah 6:6-8). We don’t want kindness to be a random act, so it must be properly and consistently motivated.
Love must be genuine (Romans 12:9 – 10). Greg Denison, author of the First 15 Devotional website comments: “Genuine love is one of the most powerful forces in all of creation. It motivated Jesus through his life, death and resurrection. Genuine love started the advance of the gospel, leading to the salvation of billions. The world tirelessly searches for genuine love. And it is genuine love that is meant to set you and me apart as disciples of Jesus.” Please read 1 John 4:7-11 and 1 Corinthians 13:13.
You were INTENTIONALLY created to give and receive love. Love is your highest calling. God has set you apart to minister to others, sharing the genuine love you’ve been shown. Denison continues: “It’s only in the giving and receiving of genuine love that you will truly find peace and purpose. It’s only in the giving and receiving of genuine love that you will feel whole and satisfied. The Bible is clear about God’s plan for you. God intends to pour His love out over you to the level of overflowing, enabling others to get a glimpse of His vast love for them through your life.” That’s good isn’t it!
So, how can you be a person who shows genuine love to those around you? What does a life lived for love look like? It starts and really ends with spending time daily encountering the vast ocean of God’s love for you. In John 13:34, Jesus says, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” The disciples could only love each other because they had experienced firsthand the incredible love of Jesus. You will NOT be able to love genuinely if you aren’t receiving God’s love for yourself. You MUST take the time EVERY DAY to simply encounter the love of the Father.
His love is designed to lay the foundation for the good works you do (Ephesians 2:10). Romans 12:9-10 proves to be great instruction for living a life of genuine love. “Let love be genuine…outdo one another in showing honor.” Choose to engage in good over evil. Fill your life with all that is good. Show grace and respect to others because that is what your Heavenly Father has done for you. Live a life of outdoing those around you in showing love and honor. Kindness motivated by genuine love is the “secret sauce” of Biblical evangelism. Please read Ephesians 3:18-19.
