STIRRING OTHERS TO LOVE AND GOOD WORKS

STIRRING OTHERS TO LOVE AND GOOD WORKS

The Bible tells us to “consider how we might stir up one another to love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24). We can consider examples from the Old and the New Testament. And God can give us other things to consider.

AN EXAMPLE FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

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Nehemiah was one of many Israelites God had allowed to be in captivity because of Israel’s disobedience. However, Nehemiah was inspired by God to ask permission of the king of Persia, whom Nehemiah served, to rebuild the broken walls of Jerusalem. God gave him favor with king; and the king authorize him to go and rebuild the walls. Nehemiah surveyed the situation before he met with the leaders at Jerusalem. Then he told them about all God had done in moving the heart of the king to authorizing him to rebuild the walls of the city. The people of the city were stirred up, and they said, “let us rise and build.”( Nehemiah 2:1-18).

After the walls of Jerusalem was rebuilt, God allowed people of Israel to return to the city under Nehemiah’s leadership. He treated the people with love and wisdom. With Ezra the priest and religious leaders, Nehemiah assembled the people and read the laws of God to them that their ancestors had disobeyed; buttold them “do not mourn or weep.” He reminded them of God’s love and mercy toward them. The people rejoiced and celebrated God’s love and mercy. (Nehemiah 8).

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PERFECT EXAMPLE FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

Jesus Christ our perfect example of love and good works. He is the sinless only begotten Son of God who loves us enough to have humbled himself to come into the world to die for our sins (Philippians 2:5-8; John 3:16). He went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil (Acts 10:38). He performed the lowly job of a servant in washing the feet of his disciples. Then he told them, “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.” (John 13:4-14). The Lord counsels us to: “Love one another, as I have loved you” (John 13:34).

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

The Bibles says, “as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:1). I am confident that many of you have done good works of love for God that have helped and inspired others, even as some have helped and inspired me. God will remember your good works and love you have shown him and others (Hebrews 6:10-11).

HELP FROM BROTHERS AND SISTERS. Brethren prayed for me when I strayed; and helped me during times of adversities. This has inspired me to pray for and help others more.

INSPIRATION TO HELP OTHERS. Please permit me to thank God and share a few things he has given me opportunity to do as works of love for him and others:

>>The Lord has opened doors and inspired me to do outreach work, visit the sick, work with people in substance abuse and prison rehab programs, pray for and financially support ministries that I am persuaded are doing good work for God’s and others.

>>The following are just two examples of how the Lord impressed me to support people in the church:

1. I recognized that God had given my nephew to me as a son, much like Timothy in the Bible was given to Paul as a son (1 Timothy 1:2). The Lord has allowed us to spend quality time together. And I have prayed with and offered him spiritual guidance in developing a loving relationship with the Lord (Proverbs 22:6).

I noticed that the Lord had given him a gift as a musician that he might use for the Lord and others. I have supported him in his playing piano and singing in the church choir. I have taken him to play and sing in nursing homes and hospitals. I have supported and encourage him in his plan to “help handicapped people” as a music therapist. As he grows in the Lord, I continue to pray that the Lord will use him and his God-given gifts to glorify God in working with and witnessing to others (Colossians 1:16; 1 Corinthians 12:7).

2. God gifted one of my church sisters as a writer. I ordered copies of her first book: HE CLOTHED ME WITH HIS GRACE, by Sotar Alonso-Lloyd. I read her inspiring book and gave copies to others. Some of her work for God and others are revealed in her book. I praised the Lord for her and her work of love. She responded: “Thank you so much for your support. To God be the glory. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord.”

>>GOD REMEMBERS OUR WORKS OF LOVE for him and his people. He will use what we have done to stir and inspire others. The Lord will supply all our needs and reward us with his riches in heaven (Philippians 4:19; John 14:2-3).