This week’s lesson will come from 1st John 3:16-20. I was asked about this text a short while back and we also had it as part of our morning reading this past week. It goes well with our Sunday morning bible class, which is covering Willard Tate’s book, Learning to Love. In this text we can answer some very basic questions, such as, what is love? Not so much the defining of the word, although that is important, but what does love is to look like when displayed. Of course, the supreme example of Christ’s sacrifice is the ultimate example and as such, we too “ought to lay down our lives for the brethren” (v16). Still, there are more common, everyday examples where love is revealed. One is the sharing of our possessions. I can’t help but reflect back on the early church’s willingness to give of their possessions for the benefit of the believers (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32). Of course, there is the example of the Macedonia churches who in “the abundance of their joy and deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality” (2nd Corinthians 8:2). It is true, you can go through the early church found in the scriptures and note their need to grow in Christ. But you can also see in numerous places the love of Christ clearly exhibited in their actions. More about that in the lesson today.
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all,
especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Galatians 6:10
This verse has been used over the years to emphasize what was just talked about above; that is, the church making every opportunity to serve one another. But I want to talk about these words for a moment, “let us do good to all.” The church is called to serve the community as well as itself. Over the years we have done clothes giveaways, car washes, park cleaning, house painting and the list goes on. Thanks to the ladies, we will be seeking a new opportunity, providing food for the local food pantry. Initially a project that was going to take place on the Ladies Day, it was suggested that we as a church family take this task on. How will it work? Simple. You bring in non-perishable items and place them on (and if need be, under) the table located under the hymnal board located to the right at the front of the auditorium. As food is collected, it will be delivered to a local pantry. This is a great opportunity to “let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
Thank you ladies for suggesting this and getting the ball rolling. Who knows, maybe other opportunities will arise enabling us to shine His light even more.
Dennis
Biddeford Church of Christ 