He also acted upon his faith which lead him to do great miracles and wonders, but what really caught my attention were his actions. Jesus woke up every morning and did good deeds for OTHERS on PURPOSE! He denied himself day after day to go out and help the needy, heal the sick, liberate the captives, feed the hungry all out of love. Not once did he think of himself. In order to love we must kill the selfishness in our human nature. We must be willing to lay aside our wants and needs knowing that we will reap what we sow.
When we speak of love we must also speak of honor. True honor originates in the heart. Honor in its original Greek root is Time [tih-mee]. It means something valued. Just as faith without works is dead; love without honor is also dead. If you do good, but dishonor your brother you have successfully managed to counteract the love you just showed. One cannot exist without the other. Honor comes from our ability to look past our neighbor’s field (imperfections, character flaws, personality quirks) and look at what the field covers, their treasure (purpose, destiny, ministry, divine gifts). We often miss out on our breakthroughs and our opportunities because we dishonor someone’s gift. We are quick to honor those in authority or the person on the altar, because it’s easy. The church as a body has the misconception that the only person with power is the preacher on the altar. When we are in need we desperately try to reach the preacher when it is time for the altar call, what we don’t realize is that God wants to use the usher that lead you to your seat to give you your break through; but because you held that usher to a lower esteem you dishonored the treasure by focusing on the field and you missed your God moment. Honor is a product of love; love is a product of honor without one you cannot have the other.
Jesus managed to constantly live in God’s presence by showing love and honor to the people around him. However, both love and honor are a choice. So I encourage you to CHOOSE to love! Make the decision to change the way you live. Set your mind to do good for those round you. You will know that you have learned these principles when you are able to love and honor that person you can’t seem to get along with. When you can love and honor someone society deems as inept and unacceptable. When you are doing more for others than you are for yourself you will unlock a world of peace, love, and the joy of the Lord. Living in God’s presence is as simple as waking up and deciding to supply someone else’s need today. I have chosen to change my life, rid myself of me, and live like Jesus did loving and honoring those around me no matter what their field may look like.
Literary Recommendations:
Love Revolution, Joyce Meyer
Honor’s Reward, John Bevere
Musical Inspiration: Proof of Your Love, For King and Country
Recommended Sermons: How to Change Your Life in Ten Days, Apostle Ron Carpenter
Velmary Michelle
PG. 30