Senior Living - December 30, 2016

Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. --1 John 4:11-12

Space shuttles are propelled out of the earth's atmosphere by a fuel mixture producing millions of pounds of thrust and exertion. Indianapolis race cars travel at speeds averaging more than 200 mph, and they are powered by a highly volatile fuel concoction. So, what fuels you as a believer in Jesus Christ?

The indwelling Holy Spirit motivates you to perform Christ-like deeds of compassion, forgiveness, mercy, and self-sacrifice. The apostle John wrote, "If we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. We know that we live in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit" (1 John 4:12-13).

It's like the mother who asked her young son to clean her shoes. He worked on them diligently until they were spotless, shiny, and scuff-free. To show her appreciation for his hard work, she gave him a dollar. As she went to put her shoes on, she felt something wadded up in the toe of one. It was her dollar and attached to it was a note that read, "Here's yur doller, mom. I done it fer luv."

Fueled and motivated by the Holy Spirit living in you, you too can serve others in the love of Christ. The Scripture says, "We love because he first loved us. …And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother" (1 John 4:19, 21). This coming year, be motivated to serve others and give of yourself to them as Christ did for you on the cross so long ago.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask the Lord to move your heart and feet in service for Him. Pray that He would empower you with the sacrificial love of Christ, so that you may bless someone's life by your service to them.

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