Thou shall not N.A.T.O. (1John 3:13-24) 031107
This morning, as I woke up to prepare to another day of busyness, I have a sense of joy. Today is Saturday and I am in the most stressful time of my semester as a Theological student. I am waking up early to spend some time with God, to go to sunshine prayer in church, then go for BBGB ministry, maybe find a place to catch up reading so that I can write my 6 assignments which due within the next two weeks and maybe come home to do some house works. But this morning I just have a sense of joy, even though I slept late last night due to my small group members left quite late. I think it is God who is putting this joy of love in my heart.
This morning as I read this passage (I am not going to say much about other verses), there is one verse that really make my day. Let us not love with word or tongue, but in deed and truth (v18).
Apostle John had been telling his reader to know the truth, uphold to truth, live righteously and love. This passage he once again reminded his reader how to love. Not by merely paying lips service, but by action. Do not have no action, talk only (NATO).
One thing that bothers me lately is that I think that I have not loved enough. That is because I really do not know how to communicate love with words. I have shared earlier about my poor speaking ability had a lot to do with it. Whenever I tried to talk to people about my love and care for them, I found that I do not seem to be able to communicate clearly across. But God is good. He sends His angel (I mean someone whom I do not expect to see yesterday) to tell me how much I have done and love her family in action. I was skeptical.
This morning, when I read this passage, I was encouraged. I is almost like God is speaking to me, encouraging me, and causes this verse to jump out at me. He speaks: ‘You have kept my command: Thou shall not N.A.T.O.’!
Thanks be to God for His words. Let us also love one another not with our words and tongue, but in deed and truth.
HHS…
Abel…
