God Loves You, So I Love You

“This is My command: Love each other.” (John 15:17)

I heard a lady speak in our church about the work she is doing in India amongst some of the world’s most poor and vulnerable people and as a PowerPoint presentation described the various areas she was providing help in, she continued to repeat how people would ask her why she does what she does for them. She had the same answer each time–“God loves you, so I love you.”

Isn’t that just so simple?! I’m not sure how many of the people understood about the God she loves and serves, or whether her motivation made sense to them, but it struck me as just such a powerful picture of what God calls each of us to do in loving our neighbor.

From time to time as I listen to people talk about the great work they are doing for God, I feel a mixture of responses.

Sometimes I feel inspired to help in some way as I catch the vision they are describing and the opportunities God gives them. But as I look at what I am able to do physically, or financially, I am disappointed that maybe I cannot do all I would like to do.

There are times when I see things that I feel I should be capable of doing, or maybe I was capable of before as they match the gifting I have, but I feel unable to commit because of the limitations I have, or the uncertainty of my health.

As I thought again of what this lady had said, I wondered if maybe I’m seeing things in too big a frame. The big things that are there to do, may be beyond me now, but it doesn’t stop me showing God’s love in the smaller things that may be all I can do now. We can show God’s love in so many ways; in a smile; an encouraging word; a hug; a letter, email or card; a visit; a gift that helps others to show that love. I was reminded of the many years that I have been involved with packing shoe boxes for Samaritan’s Purse and how those boxes packed with love by the giver, go to children I’ll never know, but children God loves.

Prayer: Father, I pray that my motivation may be to love, as I am loved by You. Amen.

About the Author:
Fiona Burrows lives in Melbourne, Australia. She is thankful for the difference God makes in her life, and the lessons He is teaching her, as she lives with chronic back pain. She enjoys finding time for reading, writing, and photography, and to travel when she is able. You can contact her in the Sunroom.

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In what unusual ways do you shared God’s love with others? What motivates you?