How do We React When Others Are in Need?

O. T. #2150 "How do We React When Others Are in Need"

March 16, 2022

Obadiah-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

Do you consider yourself a compassionate person? Compassion refers to love, pity, kindness. When we see others in need, what is our reaction?

1 John 3:17-18 tells us how we should react: But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

What is the most practical expression of love, God's love? When we help a fellow believer in need, love is expressed when we provide for him. After all, the love of Christ for us was demonstrated when He laid down His life for us. It was voluntary, a willing action. (Evans) Can we make a little sacrifice to help others?

Are we only speaking this love or are we showing it? One day we may be in need.

LET IT GROW

Previously, we discovered the Lord God was planning to destroy Edom. They were descendants from Esau, whose twin brother was Jacob, Judah and Israel's father. 

Edom felt secure in their location and lives apart from God. Today we will find out what seemed to be Edom's strength was actually their downfall:

• They depended upon their safety in their city in the mountains; (verses 3-4)
• Pride in their self-sufficiency so God would humble them; (verse 4)
• Wealth-thieves would steal all they had; (verses 5-6)
• Allies they trusted-God would turn Edom's allies against them (verse 7)
• Wisdom. (verses 8-9)

The Edomites were only fooling themselves when they trusted in themselves and not in God. There is no security unless it is in our God. Where is our security? Is it in objects, money, people, or in God alone? Possession and people can disappear in a moment, but God last forever. Only He can supply true security.

[Resource: Life Application Study Bible]

*Folks, if you need some encouraging music, check out KLRC.com, 101.1 on the dial. They play Christian music from our local Christian college town. They have certainly encouraged me when I was and get down. (They are available in 39 different countries.)

LET IT GO

Help us be on guard that wealth, wisdom, and pride do not prevent us from helping others in need.

Open our eyes, Sweet Jesus, to those in need.

May we care and share, love and give today.