Timeless Truths. Covenant Living and Faithful Service

Covenant Living and Faithful Service

1 Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. 2 Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. 3 Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering. 

20 Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 21 equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Hebrews 13: 1-3, 21-22

Do I really believe?

What am I really doing about it?

1. Loving as brothers and sisters.

Identifying our brothers and sisters.

All those around us are brothers and sisters in the broadest sense, but that’s an overwhelming concept for most of us.

The knowledge that God has loved me beyond all limits will compel me to go into the world to love others in the same way. I may get irritated because I have to live with an unusually difficult person. But just think how disagreeable I have been with God! Am I prepared to be identified so closely with the Lord Jesus that His life and His sweetness will be continually poured out through Me? Neither natural love nor God’s divine love will remain and grow in me unless it is nurtured. Love is spontaneous, but it has to be maintained through discipline. – Oswald Chambers in MY UPMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST

Intentionally loving our brothers and sisters.

Hanging out with someone is not enough to be considered loving them.

Take interest in them and become at least a small part of the life of someone outside your biological family and circle of friends.

2. Entertaining strangers.

Identifying strangers.

There are strangers all around you—even in church!

Look around; don’t be focused only on those you know.

Intentionally entertaining.

90% of all converts to Christianity consider a relationship as key to their conversion.

Be a part of a ministry that works with visitors and other strangers.

3. Caring for the suffering.

Identifying the suffering people.

Today’s world is filled with people in physical, mental, and emotional pain.

Be aware of words and actions that suggest someone is suffering.

Intentionally caring for them.

Some caring is best done spontaneously. Other caring is more effective when planned.

Consider finding a ministry or joining an organization that intentionally cares for those in need.

Question

What am I doing as faithful service?

Thanks to Dr. Dan Copp for the primary teaching in this post.

Next Timeless Truth: Living Between Faith and Fear

Follow me on Twitter: @CRDowningAuthor and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CRDowningAuthor

My website is: www.crdowning.com

I'd appreciate your feedback as a comment on Blogger!