Tag: Living by Faith

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – July 2, 2024

“Jesus left there and went along the Sea of Galilee. Then he went up on a mountainside and sat down. Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at his feet; and he healed them. The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel.” —Matthew 15:29-31, NIV

“Jesus called his disciples to him and said, ‘I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.’ ” —Matthew 15:32

From studying the Life of Christ in the Four Gospels, we notice Christ’s distinct characteristic of loving compassion: “Now a leper came to Him, imploring Him, kneeling down to Him and saying to Him, ‘If You are willing, You can make me clean.’ Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, ‘I am willing; be cleansed’ ” (Mark 1:40-41).

“During His ministry, Jesus devoted more time to healing the sick than to preaching.”

Poverty – Our World in Data: In 2022, an estimated 3.71 billion people, or 46% of the global population, live in poverty below $6.85 per day…Poverty can have serious consequences for children’s health, education, and well-being. It can also have intergenerational impacts, as children who grow up in poverty are more likely to experience poverty as adults. worldbank.org

In 2024, globally, we also face a mental health crisis. Hopelessness and despair have escalated to pandemic levels and sadly the typical response to feeling hopeless is to take one’s own life. In 2022, over 50,000 individuals committed suicide in the United States, and globally death by suicide continues to rise. “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).

“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased” (Hebrews 13:16).

“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done” (Proverbs 19:17). God expects us to do our honest part financially by sharing our resources. Even so, money is not love, nor can tangible items validate our self-worth. We were created to love, care, and bond with others. Every person needs love expressed in kind words and deeds.

“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.” —1 Corinthians 13:1

As disciples, our spiritual assignment is to alleviate the suffering of others and by doing this we demonstrate the matchless love of Jesus. Every day, we can spread love and hope by not ignoring those who question their purpose in life. What this world needs now is Agape love! Not every well-dressed individual enjoys peace of mind and not every impoverished person is in anguish, yet, both need Jesus’ love.

One of my neighbors with a special needs child stopped briefly to chat. She shared the rigorous schedule she and her husband have in caring for their daughter. Both of them work full-time; he works the overnight shift, and she works during the day. They take turns caring for their daughter, leaving minimal time for sleep. I responded by telling her that she is a strong mother. She replied, “I don’t feel strong.” As I looked at the weariness on her face, her eyes reflected the sadness of her soul. My response was, “You know where I live. If you ever need help, let me know, and I will do my best to assist you.” With a smile, she said, “Oh, thank you very much.”

“Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” —1 John 4:11

Christ is our living example of loving God and loving others. Yes, the escalating number of dysfunctional home environments, the unemployed, the unsheltered, and the malnourished will exist until Jesus comes. Like an uncontrollable bushfire, worldwide famine continues to ravage the lives of innocent babies and children. Only what we do for Christ will count toward our reward in Revelation 22:12. One of the characteristics of a converted heart is to possess unconditional love demonstrated by active service to others.

Jesus used His time to heal the multitudes which provided them with the opportunity to live productive earthly lives spiritually and physically. Giving not only includes financial donations but also our time—for most, the indulgences of life consume their free time. We can set aside 3-4 hours per week to volunteer in outreach programs, community services, and nonprofit organizations that strive to alleviate never-ending social issues or begin our own community ministry.

Who will tell and show them Jesus is Love? As followers of Christ, our hearts must overflow with His love and compassion. It is every Christian believer’s responsibility to love and acknowledge others through service and financial donations. Speak the powerful words, Jesus loves you, and the Holy Spirit will water the seed of our spoken words and minister to the brokenhearted, giving them hope.

“And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me’ ” (Matthew 25:40).

© 2024 Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions and Woman, You Are Loved by God Ministries