GRACE TO LOVE AND GOOD WORKS

The Bible tells us, after being redeemed and “by grace you have been saved, through faith” in the Lord (Ephesians 2:8-9); then “consider how we might stir up one another to love and  good works” (Hebrews 10:24). By following examples of love and good works from the Old and the New Testaments, we may be additionally blessed and rewarded.

Jesus said, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—along with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life” (Mark 10:29-30).

But, “If [anyone’s work] is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames” (1 Corinthians 3:15).

AN OLD TESTAMENT EXAMPLE LOVE AND GOOD WORKS

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).

THE NEW TESTAMENT PERFECT EXAMPLE OF LOVE AND GOOD WORKS

Jesus Christ is 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).

OUR FOLLOWING BIBLE EXAMPLES OF LOVE AND GOOD WORKS

The Bibles tells us who are redeemed by the atoning blood of Jesus Christ,  “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 our love and good works we have done for him and others (Hebrews 6:10-11: Matthew25:40).

I thank God for the I love and help I have received from brothers and sisters. Some prayed for me when I strayed like “ the prodigal son” (Luke 15:11-32); and helped me during times of adversities. This has inspired me to pray for and help others more. 

In hopes of inspiring some 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, and be further blessed.  

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 and others. 

The following are just some examples of how the Lord impressed me to love and work with people in and outside the church: 

• 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 gifted and allowed me to spend quality with him. And I have prayed with and offered him spiritual guidance, learned from my walk with the Lord, 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, sing and show love to people in nursing homes and hospitals. I have supported and encouraged 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 lovingly working with and witnessing to others for the Lord (Colossians 1:16; 1 Corinthians 12:7).

• 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.” 

• I have done outreach ministering, counseling and teaching  outside the church—street evangelism; working in substance abuse and prison rehabilitation programs—at home and abroad.

GOD BLESSES US AND USES OUR LOVE AND GOOD WORKS TO GLORIFY HIM AND STIR UP OTHERS FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD. 

The Lord  graciously saves and blesses us; and uses our love and good works to stir and inspire others, to glorify him. And he will say to you, when you as a faithful servant appear before him:  “Come, you who are blessed by my Father…Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:34-40).