Christ was an awesome example of love. He sacrificed himself fully for others. Even when the sacrifice was painful, sorrowful and without joy; Christ gave himself, including ultimately giving his own life so that others wouldn’t have to suffer. His sacrifice is a wonderful example of love, but how does the Christian of today measure up? Today we are so full of worldly thoughts such as what we would like to accomplish and what we want to accumulate financially and materially. Being so full of wants and desires, thinking only of ourselves, how can we get to that place of loving like Christ?
The first step would be to stop being so consumed by our personal goals, dreams, and aspirations. While there is nothing wrong with a purpose filled life while here on earth, make sure your list doesn’t include only physical or material things. Include spiritual dreams and goals about how you will show the love of God to everyone you meet. This has to be very intentional, planning in advance how you will not think so much of yourself but instead think of the needs of others and how you can meet that need.
There is so much need all around us. Just take a moment, open your eyes and really look at the people who are in your life and who you may see as you go through your normal day. When a homeless person asks for help, how do you react? Do you immediately think of how hard you have worked for what you have and keep moving, or do you think but by the grace of God that could be me and show compassion? In that scenario, giving money may not be the best thing to do, but you may be able to help with a meal and a few words of encouragement.
Think about what someone else might need to help lighten an already hard situation. The loss of a job can be very shattering. It is not just the loss of income, but the unemployed also lose the fulfillment and purpose of having a job to attend daily. Showing care and compassion for an unemployed friend could be giving a small gift card to a nearby gas station, or grocery store. Sometimes the giving will be a sacrifice; it will not always be comfortable. God may prompt you to give money you had set aside for something you wanted and your obedience will not only bless the other person, but you will also grow in God as you trust him to guide you.
There are so many other situations in life where the people around us are hurting and need the love of Christ shown through acts of kindness and generosity. Loving like Christ takes an open and giving heart, ready to sacrifice your wants to fill the needs of others.
I live in a small Georgia town that you most likely have never heard of and I LOVE it! My house is more than full as I am a single mother of four & caregiver to my aging mother and uncle. Lover of all things Outlander. Goes to the beat of her own drum woman.
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It really is so easy to get caught up in the day to day cares and strivings and not think about others. There are so many people that have it worse off and it is good to remember that.
It really is easy to be self serving and only think of yourself. I try to remember JOY, Jesus, others, and then yourself. Easier said than done. Many people are hurting and just need someone to show they care. We recently sold a car to a family that needed one desperately, they offered half of what we were asking. God led us to accept that offer. And I feel like because we joyfully gave, he has blessed us in MANY other ways. The family was very grateful and we are probably happier than if we had sold it at full price.