We Must Love

This week has been such an amazing week for me. All that I've done has been revolved around hanging out with friends and their family. I have been in the south now for almost 2 weeks and I must say that the feel is different here. People are friendly and open to talking. I have been thinking a lot about what this week's Rumination should be and the one thing God keeps bringing love to my mind. I have felt at times lately that I haven't been doing that great of a job loving those around me. I find it quite easy to love those that I don't know all that well and the especially in St. Croix the homeless people I would help. When I was out serving and meeting needs is when I would love the most. Then when I would be around the people I work with all day everyday I wasn't so eager to serve or help out.....Why is this? Why is it that the people we spend the most time with are the ones we are most reluctant to really show we love them? 1 John 3:18-19 says Dear children, let's not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God. This is so important to understand. I'm not writing this for anyone but myself and I pray that if you are in this position then God speaks to your heart through this., We have all heard that old phrase of "Actions speak louder than words." It is so true on so many levels. We can't merely just speak words and think that is acceptable. We must live the words we proclaim out in all areas of our life. When we say we are a Christ-Follower and we don't extend our help, or love to someone in need we are completely hypocritical. We can't talk the talk unless we will walk the walk. The world is full of people who proclaim one thing and live another way. That in my opinion is why the Christians or Christ-Followers of this world are receiving less and less respect. So many have proclaimed faith but have not decided to turn from their old ways. The new redeemed life God has given to them they are not walking in. Whether it be because of fear, an issue with discomfort, to little faith to actually believe in what they thought. There are so many reasons why people aren't living in the Holy, Righteous life God has destined us for. For me.....I'm tired of not living in the blessing God has prepared for me. I have done some awesome and amazing things in my short life that is quite apparent. However when I look at all the things I have done, it is all because my reason for doing all my traveling is to share God. I have traveled to 8 different countries and each reason is for a mission trip. When I dedicate my devotion to God and live in obedience to the life He has called me to He is able to bless me. How can a Holy God who detests sin, and can't stand disobedience be expected to bless anyone that says one thing and then lives another way? He CAN'T bless disobedience, it goes against all that God is. He can extend Grace and Mercy to that person and not give them the punishment they deserve but He will never be able to completely pour out His blessings until we walk in obedience.

I just want to set a challenge to be aware of those around you this week. Take note of the ones you tend to serve more than the others. Pray and ask God to reveal the reason behind it. Ask Him to increase your love for those that you don't seem to love as much. To increase your heart to serve the ones you never would serve. See where it leads you. Pray that the words you speak would be uplifting, that you will find something positive in everything. I was challenged Monday night at a church service to fast from complaining, and grumbling. Try it! Let your actions line up with your words of love so that you can be fruitful for God's Kingdom. Don't miss out on an opportunity to be used by Him. How awful would that be? Unfortunately I think I have missed a lot of opportunities and I am determined to not miss another one!!