Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Co-workers in building up the kingdom of God
Bible portion: St. Luke 10:25-28
Devotion
Devotion
Greetings, dear brothers and sisters in Christ. Today, we reflect on our calling as co-workers in building up the Kingdom of God. Our guiding scripture is from St. Luke 10:25-28:
“On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. ‘Teacher,’ he asked, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ ‘What is written in the Law?’ he replied. ‘How do you read it?’ He answered, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ‘You have answered correctly,’ Jesus replied. ‘Do this and you will live.’”
Loving God Wholeheartedly
In this passage, Jesus emphasizes the greatest commandment: to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind. This wholehearted love for God is the foundation of our faith and the cornerstone of building His Kingdom.
What does it mean to love God wholeheartedly?
Heart: Our emotions and desires should align with God's will.
Soul: Our spiritual life should be dedicated to seeking and worshiping God.
Strength: Our actions and efforts should reflect our commitment to God's work.
Mind: Our thoughts and understanding should be centered on God's truth.
Loving God in this comprehensive way transforms us and equips us to be effective co-workers in His Kingdom. It ensures that our motives and actions are rooted in divine love, enabling us to serve Him and others with genuine devotion.
Loving Our Neighbors as Ourselves
The second commandment, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” is inseparable from the first. Our love for God is manifested in our love for others. This love is not merely a feeling but an active, selfless pursuit of the well-being of those around us.
How do we love our neighbors?
Compassion: Showing empathy and kindness to those in need.
Service: Actively helping and serving others, especially the marginalized and oppressed.
Forgiveness: Extending grace and forgiveness, just as we have received from God.
By loving our neighbors, we participate in God's redemptive work on earth. Our actions reflect the nature of God's Kingdom—marked by justice, mercy, and love. This active love breaks down barriers, fosters community, and draws others closer to God.
Living Out Our Faith
Jesus concludes by saying, “Do this and you will live.” This directive challenges us to move beyond mere knowledge of God's commandments to actively living them out. Our faith is not passive; it is demonstrated through our daily actions and interactions.
Practical ways to live out our faith:
Witnessing: Sharing the Gospel and our personal testimony with others.
Discipleship: Mentoring and encouraging fellow believers in their faith journey.
Community Engagement: Involvement in local and global missions, advocating for justice, and supporting charitable causes.
As co-workers in God’s Kingdom, we are called to be proactive in our faith. Our lives should be a testament to God’s love and transformative power. Each act of kindness, each word of encouragement, and each moment of service contributes to the building up of God’s Kingdom.
“On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. ‘Teacher,’ he asked, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ ‘What is written in the Law?’ he replied. ‘How do you read it?’ He answered, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ‘You have answered correctly,’ Jesus replied. ‘Do this and you will live.’”
Loving God Wholeheartedly
In this passage, Jesus emphasizes the greatest commandment: to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind. This wholehearted love for God is the foundation of our faith and the cornerstone of building His Kingdom.
What does it mean to love God wholeheartedly?
Heart: Our emotions and desires should align with God's will.
Soul: Our spiritual life should be dedicated to seeking and worshiping God.
Strength: Our actions and efforts should reflect our commitment to God's work.
Mind: Our thoughts and understanding should be centered on God's truth.
Loving God in this comprehensive way transforms us and equips us to be effective co-workers in His Kingdom. It ensures that our motives and actions are rooted in divine love, enabling us to serve Him and others with genuine devotion.
Loving Our Neighbors as Ourselves
The second commandment, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” is inseparable from the first. Our love for God is manifested in our love for others. This love is not merely a feeling but an active, selfless pursuit of the well-being of those around us.
How do we love our neighbors?
Compassion: Showing empathy and kindness to those in need.
Service: Actively helping and serving others, especially the marginalized and oppressed.
Forgiveness: Extending grace and forgiveness, just as we have received from God.
By loving our neighbors, we participate in God's redemptive work on earth. Our actions reflect the nature of God's Kingdom—marked by justice, mercy, and love. This active love breaks down barriers, fosters community, and draws others closer to God.
Living Out Our Faith
Jesus concludes by saying, “Do this and you will live.” This directive challenges us to move beyond mere knowledge of God's commandments to actively living them out. Our faith is not passive; it is demonstrated through our daily actions and interactions.
Practical ways to live out our faith:
Witnessing: Sharing the Gospel and our personal testimony with others.
Discipleship: Mentoring and encouraging fellow believers in their faith journey.
Community Engagement: Involvement in local and global missions, advocating for justice, and supporting charitable causes.
As co-workers in God’s Kingdom, we are called to be proactive in our faith. Our lives should be a testament to God’s love and transformative power. Each act of kindness, each word of encouragement, and each moment of service contributes to the building up of God’s Kingdom.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Guide us to love You with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind. Help us to love our neighbors as ourselves, showing compassion, service, and forgiveness. Empower us to live out our faith actively through witnessing, discipleship, and community engagement. May our lives reflect Your love and build up Your Kingdom.
In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen
Guide us to love You with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind. Help us to love our neighbors as ourselves, showing compassion, service, and forgiveness. Empower us to live out our faith actively through witnessing, discipleship, and community engagement. May our lives reflect Your love and build up Your Kingdom.
In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the Day
Together let us build God’s kingdom by loving fully, serving selflessly and living faithfully. Every Act of love and service brings us closer to His vision.
Rev. Jeevan John
Asst.Vicar
Trinity MTC, Houston
Asst.Vicar
Trinity MTC, Houston