Love is the Message
January 18, 2022 by Judy Davis
Filed under Daily Devotions
By Judy Davis –
“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. Against such things there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23).
My friend Ann asked me if I would teach a Bible study to women in a detention center. As I gave each woman a copy of my book, Women of the Bible, they seemed eager to learn. It was during Valentine’s week so I also took a bag of Valentine candy. Each piece had words written across the top such as Love, Peace, Joy, and Sweet. This act of kindness not only blessed them, but they seemed to be more attentive to the study.
I thought this was a great idea and didn’t see anything wrong with giving the women a few pieces of candy. But I learned later we were not supposed to take candy into the jail. Oh, to live and learn….
Our message is not only to tell others that love is a powerful gift from God. We also need to show people the power of love in action. Be observant; a vessel asking God to help us in all of life’s situations. One of the women in jail was crying. She missed her children. It was an opportune time to give her a hug….let her know someone cares. And pray for her to allow God’s love to change her life.
Everywhere we go there are people worse off than we can imagine. We must pray for them, help them, and most of all love them. Do you know some one in need today? During the Christmas holidays we were so quick to give not only gifts but ourselves. May we be willing to give of ourselves all year. This pleases God!
One way to reach out to those in need is to buy cards and place money or a gift certificate in them. You can buy gift certificates at many restaurants. We are blessed to be a blessing.
Loving others is the most important gift we can give.
“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love” (1Corinthians 13:13 NIV).
PRAYER: Father, help me today to be a vessel of love. So many people are hurting and need a hug, or maybe just a kind word. Guide me to be more in tune to the needs of others.
Judy Davis has been writing for publications since 1985, and is the author of nine books including Moments of Reflection and Inspirational thoughts for writers. She and her husband, Colin have been married for 45 years. They are retired and love to travel. You can find out more at http://cgcwriters.blogspot.com.