The challenge it brought before my heart was this, I don't ever want to be at a place with God where His word or the needs of people no longer move me to action. Perhaps this is what the Apostle John was talking about in Revelations 2:4 when he exhorted the Ephesian church that they had lost their first love. They were cold, immovable, unresponsive!
After all, God is love, and what I understand about the love of God is that it has to act when it sees the object of its affection in trouble or in need. That's why John also writes in one of his letters, "If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?" (1 John 3:17).
It seems as though many of us have either grown cold in our love or we have come up with some justifiable excuse as to why we should not help our brothers or sisters when they are in legitimate need. What's even worse is when we have the power to act, have plenty of resources stored up for ourselves, and still turn a deaf ear to the needs of others.
Those of us who have plenty have forgotten that God doesn't provide plenty for us to just hoard or spend on ourselves. 2 Corinthians 8:14 At the present time your plenty will supply what they need....
What's amazing about this whole thing is the Lord promises to reward those generously who sow into the lives of others. Paul said it this way, "Whoever sows generously will reap generously..." (2 Corinthians 9:6.)
What's even more amazing is that our generous sowing results in people coming to God, believing in God, and praising God. (2 Corinthians 9:12-14.)
So when was the last time your heart was moved with the love of Christ to respond to a need of someone else's that resulted in their praising the Lord because of your obedience? When was the last time you sowed generously into the life of someone else with no strings attached?
So what are you waiting for? The love of Christ compels you. Be compelled.
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