The Bible instructs followers of Jesus to “love one another with mutual affection” (Romans 12:10 NRSVUE). But what does that really mean?
There are many ways we can do that, but one of those ways is to use our resources—whether that’s money, time, or effort—to express love to each other. Every time you give to God, you’re drawn closer to him—and every time you give to other people, you grow closer to them.
I like to think of loving other believers as investing in God’s Mutual Fund—in something that will yield dividends for eternity.
When you write a note of encouragement to a fellow believer, you make a deposit in God’s Mutual Fund. When you take a meal to someone who’s ill, you invest in them. Did you open your home for a small group gathering? That’s another deposit in the Mutual Fund. When you watch someone else’s kids so they can attend a church retreat, you’re still investing. Or how about when you take a struggling friend out for lunch and conversation? That’s an investment in the Mutual Fund.
Every act of love, every small gesture—it all counts. You’re not just giving to meet a need; you’re also building something eternal. You’re storing up treasures in heaven.
Why should we do this? The Bible says, “What you are doing is much more than a service that supplies God’s people with what they need. It is something that will make many others thank God” (2 Corinthians 9:12 CEV).
When we believers give to each other, we make the gospel visible. Our generosity becomes a living testimony. When we’re generous and hospitable, even to those we don’t know well, we’re showing the world what true faith looks like.
As Psalm 133:1 says, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity” (NIV). That’s the power of investing in the Mutual Fund—our love builds unity and reflects God’s heart to the world.
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!
Help Share the Good News of Jesus with the World!
Right now, billions of people around the world still need to hear about the work Jesus accomplished for them on the cross. And through your gift below, you can help reach them!
As thanks for your gift, we’ll send you Pastor Rick’s The Seven Greatest Words of Love Bible study*, which explores Jesus’ final words on the cross and uncovers how they hold the key to finding true joy and fulfillment in your life, career, and relationships.
Request your copy when you give today—and thank you for your partnership!
*Video is available in DVD or streaming formats. The workbook will be mailed to you. *The USA IRS code permits you to deduct the amount of your financial gift to Daily Hope that exceeds the fair market value of materials you received from Daily Hope.
