Tangible Love for the Common Good

Don’t neglect to do what is good and to share, for God is pleased with such sacrifices. – (Hebrews 13:16, HCSB)

And don’t forget to do good and to share what you have with others, because sacrifices like these are very pleasing to God. – (Hebrews 13:16, ERV)

Make sure you don’t take things for granted and go slack in working for the common good; share what you have with others. God takes particular pleasure in acts of worship – a different kind of “sacrifice” – that take place in the kitchen and workplace and on the streets. – (Hebrews 13:16, MSG)

God is the giver of every good and perfect gift. He supplies us with all that we need. Our purpose is to love God and love people. To truly love requires actions, not mere words. His love and care for us is made evident when we see, feel and understand how He cares for the smallest details in our lives. A thoughtful gesture, a kind word, a helping hand – all provide evidence of God’s goodness made tangible. So many times God uses people to demonstrate the abundance of His goodness and love for us. I cannot even count the times that I have been blessed, encouraged or built up through the loving kindness of others in exactly the way that I needed. God’s hand and heart were evident, and His love for me, overwhelming. Each one of us has the opportunity to demonstrate His love every day. When we choose to be led by His love, we see spaces that need light and life and love and are able to reach out and do something tangible for another. May we seek the Lord in prayer and listen to His leading, so that we may be His ambassadors of love throughout each new day.

Let us not neglect,

To love and do good;

To choose be aware,

How love’s understood.

For it is not words,

That show love alone;

But rather actions,

That make His love known.

Encouraging words,

A tangible touch;

A need that is met,

Truly means so much.

Lord, show us the needs,

Where we can reach out;

So we might love well,

Show what love’s about.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You give abundantly in love. Forgive us for the times that we have taken anything for granted and have neglected to work for the common good. Teach us to look for opportunities to bless and give and love well. Show us how to love each person that we encounter, whether it is through meeting a need, giving a helping hand, or extending words of encouragement that are intentional and specific. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek to offer worship unto You through the things we do in love. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

Always be humble and gentle. Be patient and accept each other with love. – Ephesians 4:2

The Essence of Exaltation

Glory to the GiverThe essence of worship,

when our love is outpoured;

giving earthly treasures,

without seeking reward.

He laid down His own life,

price we couldn’t afford;

showing obedience,

our great heavenly Lord.

As we bring our worship,

He looks into our heart;

does He see sacrifice,

or us playing a part?

Like the pure perfume jar,

poured upon Jesus’ head;

may our offering be,

as the Spirit has led.

May our acts of worship,

all honor that we bring;

give glory to our God,

our Hope and Everything.

The great gracious Savior,

is so worthy indeed;

let our life song be sung,

so that captives are freed.

(Responding to Mark 14:3-9)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You do not want robots that go through rituals, rather You desire disciples who are devoted to loving You and loving others with our whole lives. Thank You Jesus, that You showed us what it is to live a life of loving God and loving people with all that You are. Forgive us for the countless ways in which we have fallen short, and use each one as an opportunity to be refined, so that we may more clearly love like You. Teach us to quiet our hearts before You, so that we are intent to listen, and help us to act on all that You ask. May many be moved toward Your majesty through our ongoing acts of worship. Be exalted in everything we say and do, and let our lives bring praise to You. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.

As my reflection this morning is based on the story of the Alabaster jar broken and poured out as an offering, I found this song to be a perfect pairing. 🙂 Click the title in green to enjoy: Alabaster Jar by Kari Jobe.