DEEDS OF LOVE

There is a statement from years ago that says, "We are labourers together with God," called to represent Him as ambassadors of love. We are to cooperate with the work of the delegates of heaven. And to us is committed a work which even the angels cannot do. Man must be the channel to communicate with man." To better understand this statement, let me share with you a real story. 

At the Sunday morning church service of the Vernon Temple AME on April 16, 2023, in Bermuda. As they were celebrating Family Day, my first cousin, the senior pastor of the church, Pastor Dr. Leonard Santucci J.P. invited the congregation to lift a love offering for the Son of the Soil Russ Ford towards his medical expenses, and the people gave with a willing heart. Today I want to congratulate the good pastor and his church for the great work they have done and are still doing in the community with many others. 

The Bible encourages all to love not with words, but with deeds. “Little children, let us not love in word or speech only, but in deed, and in truth” 1 John 3:18. These words of the Apostle John voice an imperative that no one may disregard. That is this, love is not all words, but deeds! "In His work on earth, Christ lifts the veil that conceals the invisible world from our view and reveals the power that is constantly exercised for our good. The same ministry which He performed on earth was continued after His ascension to heaven. 

Through His representative, the Holy Spirit, God in Christ still ministers to the children of men." It is said of the early church, they sold their possessions and goods and distributed them to all, as any had need." Acts 2:45. 

The church became a vitalizing power. Believers, themselves re-converted, were a living power for God and for His kingdom. A new song was put into their mouth, even praise to our God. Everyone converted saw in his brethren and sisters the faces of angels. One interest prevailed, one subject of emulation swallowed up all others, to be like Christ, to do the works of Christ, (in speech, deed, and in truth)! The earnest zeal felt was expressed in kindly helpfulness, in kindly looks, and brotherly love. All strove to see who could do the most for the enlargement of Christ's kingdom. This ministry is the great need of the church today." "Yet there have been times when some have not fully heeded this appeal and have assumed a worldly way of thinking." 

“Nature is an open book, from the study of which we may gain a knowledge of the Creator and be attracted to Him by the things of use and beauty which He has provided... “Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore, take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?” Matthew 6:30-31. Much unnecessary care and anxiety is felt in regard to our future, concerning what we shall eat and drink and wherewithal we shall be clothed. The labor and worry of needless display in apparel causes much fatigue and unhappiness and shortens our lives.” 

Today God is using different ways to bring all to a place of love and service for one another. Let us take a moment today to thank GOD for putting in His people, a spirit of deeds of love. 

For more on this story, go to link:

https://youtu.be/cYnTWuE-afQ 

By GARDEN MINISTRY - Chaplain Kevin J.T Santucci 

If you are blessed through today’s devotional, let us know.