Loving Others

O. T. #2179  "Loving Others"

April 27, 2022

LET IT GLOW

Who do we love? Think about it, friend. do we only love those who are loveable or returns love to us? Or do we love the unloveable and those who won't return love to us?

We love Him, because He first loved us. If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from Him, That he who loveth God love his brother also. (1 John 4:19-21)

Since God is our source of love, we should be spreading it like fire. When we love others, they are warmed by God's love through us. So our love should not be limited to believers, but to the lost. How else will they know and experience the love of God? We can't truly love God while neglecting to love those who are created in His image.

LET IT GROW

According to Wiersbe, Micah gives 3 messages of what was coming to Judah and Israel: Judgment (chapters 1-2), a Ruler/Deliverer(chapters 3-5), and the Kingdom (chapters 6-7).

In chapter 1, we read about God's judgment and wrath that was coming if His people did not repent of their sins and turn back to worshiping only God and obeying His commands. Also, the prophet mourned for his people and nation.

We know that in 722 BC the Assyrian army conquered Samaria, the capital of Israel, the northern kingdom. Not only was there idolatry and prostitution as sins ruining the people, but also was covetousness (verses 1-5) and false prophets (verses 6-11).

How did they carry out their problem of covetousness?

• They lay awake at night thinking up evil plans. (verse 1)
• At dawn they hurry to carry them out because they have the power (money) to do so. (verse 2)
• When they want a piece of land, they find a way to seize it.
• When they want someone's house, they take it by fraud and violence.
• They cheat a man of his property, stealing his family's inheritance.

That is why the Lord punished the evil doers. Money means power, and the ungodly are able to carry through that which is wrong by using it. By it, the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. Israel had been told how to treat each other. God planned to put around those necks the chains of bondage. Their enemies would make fun of them with songs of despair.

What can we learn from this? A person's thoughts and plans reflect their character. Injustice spreads in a nation and destroys the people from the inside out. Privilege brings responsibility, which brings accountability.

Are we robbing our children of our time with them, working long hours so they can have more money, things, and fun? Do we rob God of tithes and offerings so we can have the good life?

 

LET IT GO

    ... of those bad feelings and forgive others so we can be forgiven.

    ... of harsh words so we can be a blessing to others today.

    ... of fear and trust God with it all; whatever He deems best is best.

    ... of pride, jealousy, covetousness so we can be thankful.

Love as Christ loves us so He can love through us.