God's Demonstration
Posted on February 24, 2017 by Graeme Wilson in Freedom Fighters
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
The word ‘demonstrate’ in this text has the root meaning to place together, commend, to exhibit; I stand with; I am composed of, cohere. “Union,” together with “to stand properly,” or “stand together,” refers to facts “lining up” with each other to support (or commend) something. Christ demonstrated the validity of his love by His act on the cross. “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13)
The question would be, how do we take this concept and ‘keep the torch lit?’ Jesus gave us the perfect example, or demonstration of sacrificial love, and prayed that we do even greater than this. Jesus declares, “Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever believes in Me will also do the works that I am doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” (John 14:12) The key word of this context is ‘Believe!’ As a Christian, believing is the ultimate demonstration of whom we belong; and our beliefs will be manifested in our action.
For instance, husbands demonstrate their love for their wives by learning about and understanding them. Parents demonstrate their love to their children by training and guiding them in the way they should go. And Christians demonstrate their love to each other, and to non-believers, by serving them. Paul writes, “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” (Galatians 5:13) These are just general assessments of ways to demonstrate your love for God and His people: get creative!
Written by Juan Mendez: Juan is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and full-time staff member at America’s Keswick.
The Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 34-39 | You can download our 2017 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here
Daily Quote: “The prayers that seek to glorify God, to honor Him, to further the work of His kingdom, to transform the hearts of nonbelievers, to demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ, and to reveal His majesty–those are the prayers that are most powerful.” – Michael Youssef
This Week’s Verse to Memorize:
My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing to You, And my soul, which You have redeemed. Psalm 71:23
Want to get away & have dedicated time to read & learn God’s Word?
Consider a retreat at America’s Keswick retreat center.
