Giving Is The Evidence Of LOVE

Notice to Cell Phone Users: Click > To Open The Site Menu – (God’s Promises For All Our Every Needs, Purpose and Mission Statement, Ministries, and Etc.) Using the Three-Lined “Hamburger” Icon at the Top Right of the Screen

The Fruit of the HOLY SPIRIT

Podcast Episode: The Fruit of the HOLY SPIRIT – LOVE #2

“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS, AND SELF-CONTROL. There is no law against these things.” [Galatians 5:22-23 NLT]

A Primary Evidence of Love Is Giving

In Genesis 1:28-29 NLT says, “28 Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.” 29 Then God said, “Look! I have given you every seed-bearing plant throughout the earth and all the fruit trees for your food.”

In Genesis Chapter 1 Verses 28-29 describe the words “Be fruitful . . . – This statement indicates that human sexuality is ordained by God and its primary purpose is reproduction. This aspect of humanity, a part of God’s creation, is said to be “very good” (Genesis 1:31). As will be seen in Genesis 2:24, sexual relations are meant for the married couple. We admire that wisdom, not only in the regular progress of creation, but in its perfect adaptation to the end. God is represented as pausing at every stage to look at His work. Every object was in its right place, every vegetable process going on in season, each animal was given instincts suited to its mode of life in the world. No wonder He contemplated it with satisfaction! He saw everything He had made answering to the plan that His eternal wisdom had conceived.

While our descendants may someday think that they can give without loving, no one can ever love without giving.

The Birth of Isaac

In Genesis 21:1-6 NLT says, “1 The Lord kept His word and did for Sarah exactly what He had promised. 2 She became pregnant, and she gave birth to a son for Abraham in his old age. This happened at just the time God had said it would. 3 And Abraham named their son Isaac. 4 Eight days after Isaac was born, Abraham circumcised him as God had commanded. 5 Abraham was 100 years old when Isaac was born. 6 And Sarah declared, “God has brought me laughter. All who hear about this will laugh with me.”

In Verse 1 describes “the words the LORD visited Sarah” – The language of the text seems purposefully chosen to magnify the power of God as well as His faithfulness to His promise. It also demonstrates that God is directly involved in the process of creating new life, just as He had in the creation of Adam and Eve. It was God’s grace that brought about Isaac’s conception, as well as the raising of spiritual children to Abraham, of which the birth of this son was typical.

The Lord was gracious to Sarah and the Lord did for Sarah what He had promised. Sarah became pregnant.”

God had said a son would be born to Abraham and Sarah (stressed three times in Genesis 21:1-2). Read this account in light of what Abraham had tried to do intentionally to achieve this promise through a son by Hagar, as well as what he had done unintentionally to block it by pawning Sarah off to Pharaoh and a Philistine king.

When Sarah is past the age of having children, when she is physically incapable of pregnancy, God acts in her life. God gives Sarah a son. Sarah, the old one, had once laughed at the notion of late-in-life motherhood, and so the name of her firstborn son, Isaac, is “Laughter.”

So then how are we to view the purpose of God in our lives? God desires that our bodies be the emissaries of communicating His love. Our feet are to carry His message. Our hands are to break His living bread. Our minds are to hold His vision. Our hearts are to beat with His compassion. All of this is to be done in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ who is God and God is love.

Our Faith In God Who Forgives Sinners Like Us

In Romans 4:6-8 NLT says, “6 David also spoke of this when he described the happiness of those who are declared righteous without working for it: 7  “Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sins are put out of sight. 8  Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of sin.”

In Verses 6-8 describe Paul quotes from Psalm 32 (written by King David) to develop his explanation of how God can declare an undeserving sinner as righteous. David had written of the joy of those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sins are put out of sight. God’s forgiveness of sins by His sheer grace is the same as declaring people to be righteous apart from their works.

This unbelievable act of grace allows us to live in joy and security, knowing that all we have ever done wrong or ever will do wrong is completely covered by the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ’s atonement. This kind of love is ours so that we can live in continued peace and ministry to others.

There is no more wonderful evidence of God’s giving love than the lightness of being we discover when we stand up straight for the first time in our lives, knowing that God has completely forgiven all our sins. The greatest gift of God’s giving love is to be free of the curse of our sins forever.

Joseph Reassures His Brothers

In John 21:15-17 NLT says, “15 After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him. 16 Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said. 17 A third time He asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.“

In Verses 15-17 describe Simon son of John was the name our Lord Jesus Christ had said when He first met this man who would become His disciple (John 1:42). But Peter had not yet proven himself to live up to that name-Peter, “the rock.” According to Luke 24:34, our Lord Jesus Christ had probably met with Peter previously. Our Lord Jesus’ first question to Peter, “Do you love me more than these?” could be translated in three ways: (1) “Do you love me more than these men love me?” (2) “Do you love me more than you love these men?” (3) “Do you love me more than these things?” (that is, the fishing boat, nets, and gear). Of the three options, the first seems the most appropriate because Peter had boasted that he would never forsake Jesus, even if all the other disciples did (see Matthew 26:33; Mark 14:29; John 13:37). This was the same as saying that he had more love for our Lord Jesus Christ than the others did.

Peter did just the opposite of what he boasted: He denied our Lord Jesus Christ three times. As a consequence, our Lord Jesus Christ asked Peter three times, “Do you love me?” to affirm Peter’s love and commitment. Each time Peter told our Lord Jesus Christ, “I love you,” our Lord Jesus Christ exhorted Peter to care for His flock: “Feed my lambs” (John 21:15); “Take care of my sheep” (John 21:16); “Feed my sheep” (John 21:17). Lambs and sheep can be taken as words of endearment. Our Lord Jesus Christ’s love and concern is for all Born-Again Christian believers-the entire “flock” that would grow as a result of the apostles’ ministry.

“Well, Peter, if you do love me,” says our Lord Jesus Christ in effect, “act like you love me – feed my sheep. In other words, serve me and those who follow me.”

If giving is the number one evidence of love, then serving those who follow our Lord Jesus Christ is an evidence of love for God as well as for others.

God’s giving love must see that such grace carries with it the obligation to love others. As we love others, we begin to find, we must serve them. When we serve them, we show our love to God by ministering to those He loves.

The Lord’s Love for Israel

In Hosea 11:1-9 NLT says, “1  “When Israel was a child, I loved him, and I called my son out of Egypt. 2  But the more I called to him, the farther he moved from me, offering sacrifices to the images of Baal and burning incense to idols. 3  I myself taught Israel how to walk, leading him along by the hand. But he doesn’t know or even care that it was I who took care of him. 4  I led Israel along with my ropes of kindness and love. I lifted the yoke from his neck, and I myself stooped to feed him. 5  “But since my people refuse to return to me, they will return to Egypt and will be forced to serve Assyria. 6  War will swirl through their cities; their enemies will crash through their gates. They will destroy them, trapping them in their own evil plans. 7  For my people are determined to desert me. They call me the Most High, but they don’t truly honor me. 8  “Oh, how can I give you up, Israel? How can I let you go? How can I destroy you like Admah or demolish you like Zeboiim? My heart is torn within me, and my compassion overflows. 9  No, I will not unleash my fierce anger. I will not completely destroy Israel, for I am God and not a mere mortal. I am the Holy One living among you, and I will not come to destroy.”

In Verse 1 describes Israel . . . my son – From the time that Israel was in Egypt, God called him “my son” (Exodus 4:22, 23; Isaiah 43:1). Called . . . out of Egypt – rather, God “led” or “brought” Israel from Egypt. Matthew, in quoting this prophecy (referring primarily to Israel, but symbolically to the Messiah), applies it to our Lord Jesus Christ’s travel in Egypt, not His return from it (Matthew 2:15). Even in our Lord Jesus Christ’s infancy, God called our Lord Jesus Christ His son. God included the Messiah and Israel in one common love, and so in one common prophecy. The Messiah’s people and He are one, as the head is to the body. Both fled to Egypt in their infancy and for the same reason: i.e., danger of death.

In Verse 2 describes – As they called them, so they went from them – i.e., “As they [the prophets] called them [Israel], so they [Israel] went from them [the prophets].” Since the prophets are God’s representatives, NIV and RSV render it “The more I called them, the more they went from me”; i.e., the more God reached out to redeem His wayward people, the more they turned away in contempt (Jeremiah 2:27). Baalim—i.e., images of Baal, set up in various places.

In Verse 3 describes I taught . . . to go – This tender figure shows God teaching Israel to walk. God brought them up as a parent does an infant who is unable to care for himself, so that there was no worrying about food, clothing, or where they should go. Compare the similar figures used in Deuteronomy 1:31; 5:15; 8:2; 32:10, 11; Nehemiah 9:21; Isaiah 63:9; Amos 2:10. Knew not that I healed them – i.e., they were unaware that it was God’s purpose to restore them spiritually and physically (Exodus 15:26).

In Verse 4 describes with cords of a man – or “with cords of human kindness” (RSV, NIV). I was . . . as they that take off the yoke on their jaws . . . I laid meat unto them – or “I loosened his muzzle so he could eat. I myself have stooped and fed him.” Hosea describes the practice of lifting the yoke from an ox so that he might eat more comfortably. This is an appropriate image of God’s deliverance of Israel from the Egyptian yoke of bondage, and His feeding them in the wilderness.

In Verse 5 describes He shall not return into . . . Egypt – viz., to seek help against Assyria (Hosea 7:11), as Israel lately had done (2 Kings 17:4), after having revolted from Assyria, to whom they had been tributary from the times of Menahem (2 Kings 15:19). Others render it: “They shall return to the land of Egypt” (so NRSV) (cf. 9:3), i.e., to Egypt-like bondage in Assyria; also many Jewish fugitives were literally to return to Egypt when the Holy Land was in Assyrian and Chaldean hands. Still others render it as a rhetorical question: “Will they not return to Egypt and will not Assyria rule over them . . . ?” (NIV). the Assyrian shall be his king – instead of having kings of their own, and Egypt as their auxiliary. because they refused to return – just retribution. They would not return (spiritually) to God, therefore they shall not return (corporally) to Egypt, the object of their desire.

In Verse 6 describes sword shall abide on – The verb here is difficult to translate; it could be linked to the root meaning “to let loose” (Stuart), or perhaps to halal, “to be fatally wounded.” It is variously translated “sword will whirl against” (NASB), “sword rages in” (NRSV), and “swords will flash in” (NIV). his branches – lit. “his part,” making translation of this phrase difficult. Some see this as part of the defenses; thus, “the bars of their gates” (NIV, NASB). Others see it as descriptive of a part of the people especially deserving of punishment, e.g., “the false priests” or “the leaders,” which seems to fit with the following line and the “counsels” given; thus, “their oracle-priests” (NRSV) or “prattling priests” (NEB). because of their own counsels – i.e., the counsels of defense would fail to deliver them; this may refer to the wicked counsel of the false priests to worship idols and rely on Egypt for help (Hosea 10:6).

In Verse 7 describes bent to backsliding . . . – Though the prophets called the Israelites from their idols to the Most High, none would honor Him.

In Verse 8 describes as Admah . . . Zeboim – among the cities, including Sodom and Gomorrah, that were completely destroyed (Genesis 14:2, 8). The association of these cities with Gaza (Genesis 10:19) makes the common location of these cities beneath the southern part of the Dead Sea probable (“Admah,” NBD). heart is turned within me – God seeks Israel’s punishment with the deepest compassion, not wanting to carry out His threat (Lamentations 1:20; cf. Genesis 43:30; 1 Kings 3:26). God’s seeming change agrees with His secret everlasting purpose of love to His people, to extend His grace after their rebellion.

In Verse 9 describes I will not return to destroy Ephraim – i.e., the northern kingdom of Israel. In the future time of restoration, God would not destroy Israel again as He was about to do through the Assyrians. I am God, and not man – A man would act with unrestrained anger after such awful provocation (Isaiah 55:7-9; Malachi 3:6), but God promises eventual restoration. God does not break His promises, especially His covenant of eternal love with Israel (Numbers 23:19). I will not enter into the city – as a human would in carrying out His vengeance.

The imagery of God’s love in the book of Hosea is a call to stop all selfish living and give ourselves to worship. The beginning of all worship is Love. Can those who do not have an intimate relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ praise Him? Can they worship Him if they have not experienced His gift of grace? If those who do not know God’s love could but for one moment stand at the Cross and gaze into the face of our Lord Jesus Christ, they would know how every value they esteem or respect is trivial compared to what they behold in that one brief, thorn-crowned smile of grace.

Prayer is the key that unlocks and reveals faith. Effective prayer needs both an attitude of complete dependence and the action of asking. Prayer demonstrates complete reliance on God. Thus, there is no substitute for prayer, especially in situations that seem impossible.

So, let our hearts and minds in tune with God, in the power of God, the Holy Spirit. Let’s continuously and persistently pray for God’s perfect will be done. We as Born-Again Christians have been tried and cleansed, we have moved freely into a relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ that is more powerful than it was before our trials. We are at home in the presence and fellowship of God, for we are heirs with our Lord Jesus Christ, more like Him that we could ever have dreamed possible. So, let’s continuously and persistently pray for God’s perfect will be done. Amen!

The principle is that no one has anything of value to bring to God in order to deserve salvation, mercy, justification, or even a second glance from God. The proud will be humbled, but the humble will be honored. Acceptance before God cannot be achieved by good deeds, piety, or any amount of self-proclaimed righteousness.

Let’s never get over the effect of God’s saving transformation on people’s lives. People who were lost in sin, filled with anger and bitterness, give up their hatred and become approachable as we have studied and learned last time. That is, of course, why we minister to others. Those of us who minister are not people to whom gentleness and self-control comes naturally. We are people who have been remodeled by grace. We thankfully leave our old natures far behind as we embrace gentleness and self-control and in our treatment of others.

Sunday by Sunday as we come to worship, let me encourage our brothers- and sisters-in-Christ, and I want my readers and listeners to be both strong in the faith and sensitive to others’ needs. Because all, we as Born-Again Christian believers are strong in certain areas and weak in others, we constantly need to monitor the effects of our behavior on others.

In these LOVE Series of Podcast, we will learn the following PURPOSES of this fruit of the HOLY SPIRIT:

1. To truly experience love and forgiveness – Podcast Love #1
2. Giving Is The Evidence Of Love – Podcast Love #2
3. To learn how to give and serve with love
4. To know and understand the true definition of love
5. To understand and capture the passion of God
6. Learn to be compassionate and how to worship
7. To understand that love is the first characteristic of the fruit of Spirit. It is well placed at the head of the list, for it permeates all the rest of the attributes. Somehow, if we live a life of love, the other virtues will attend us all the days of our lives. Love is the key that unlocks the entire fruit basket of Galatians 5:22-23, as well as permeating 1 Corinthians 13.

Three (3) Questions we can answer from these Sources: The Bible and Guidance of the Holy Spirit

Observation: What do these passages say to you?

Interpretation: What do these passages mean to you?

Application: How do the meaning of these passages apply to you or to your situation?

If you are not sure that you are Born-Again Christian believer, please take a look of one of our ministries, “An Invitation To Meet Our Lord Jesus Christ” at https://homefellowshipchurches.org/an-invitation-to-meet-our-lord-jesus-christ/

Notice to Cell Phone Users: Click > To Open The Site Menu – (God’s Promises For All Our Every Needs, Purpose and Mission Statement, Ministries, and Etc.) Using the Three-Lined “Hamburger” Icon at the Top Right of the Screen

Suggested Prayer: Father God, we come into your presence in our Lord Jesus Christ name, and in the power of the Holy Spirit. Thank you Lord Jesus Christ for Your agape love and forgiveness you have done on the Cross of Calvary, and continue to intercede for us in prayer. Thank you Holy Spirit as our Helper and Comforter. Thank you for the wisdom, knowledge, understanding, courage and strength. We cling, yield, plug-in and tune-in to you Holy Spirit to help us understand God’s Words, obey them, receive Your divine revelation, know the Truth that sets us free, and apply them in our lives, in our Lord Jesus Christ name, Amen!

God bless you all and our families!

In Malachi 3:10-12 AMPC says, “10 Bring all the tithes (the whole tenth of your income) into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and prove Me now by it”, says the Lord of hosts, “if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” [Malachi 2:2.] 11 “And I will rebuke the devourer (insects and plagues) for your sakes and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground, neither shall your vine drop its fruits before the time in the field,” says the Lord of hosts. 12 “And all nations shall call you happy and blessed, for you shall be a land of delight”, says the Lord of hosts.

If the people would obey God, giving as they should, God would flood His people with blessings. There would be an overabundance of God’s blessing if He was given what He requested.