❤️ Practical Love
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
— Acts 20:35 (NIV)
In many ways, the way we live as Christians is influenced, sometimes unconsciously, by our cultural and social environments.
But true freedom in Christ means discerning what reflects Him, embracing it, and letting go of everything that doesn’t glorify Him.
When we immigrated a few years ago, we were introduced to a culture very different from the one we came from. We noticed ways of doing things that challenged us; some not in line with the gospel, and others that were deeply Christlike, though unfamiliar to us.
One of the most powerful lessons we learned in that season was this:
The beauty of practical love.
🙌 A New Perspective on Love
From the very beginning in our new city, we joined a local church (and we strongly encourage anyone relocating to remain planted in a community of believers).
Through a small discipleship group, we found not just fellowship; but a new understanding of how love can look like action.
We remember a particular moment vividly:
We had just arrived, with little savings and nearly nothing in terms of belongings. I was pregnant, and we were starting over from scratch.
Then one day, someone we had known for less than three months gifted us an incredible amount of clothes and items for our baby. We were overwhelmed.
Soon after, we received household items for our apartment from other members of the church.
These weren't isolated acts; they were part of a lifestyle. A way of meeting practical needs with spontaneity and joy.
🌿 What We Learned
1. Practical love can speak louder than words.
When we received clothes for our daughter, it wasn’t just generosity; it was God speaking directly to our hearts:
“Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear… Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?”
Matthew 6:25 (NIV)
Just recently, during another moment of uncertainty, we received an unexpected gift from a family we had met less than two years ago. For us, it was once again God's voice saying:
“I’m still here. I’m in control. Don’t worry.”
2. Giving practically teaches us about selflessness.
When God prompts us to give, He’s often also teaching us how to offer ourselves; not just our resources.
Every act of giving can be a step in learning how to live sacrificially, just like Jesus.
3. Practical love opens hearts to the gospel.
In 2016, our city experienced devastating flooding. Christians immediately formed teams to clean and rebuild homes, not just for fellow believers, but for anyone in need.
Through simple acts like clearing mud, replacing floors, and sharing meals, the love of Jesus became tangible to those who had never stepped into a church.
4. There is joy in giving.
True joy is not found in holding on, but in pouring out.
When we give, whether it's time, care, finances, or help, we become part of God’s movement of love on the earth.
🌱 A Lifestyle of Giving
We now desire to be more sensitive to the Lord’s leading in this area. Whenever we see a need, we want to be quick to act, willing to be the hands through which God waters others.
Not just to meet physical needs…
But to remind others, as we’ve been reminded:
“You’re not alone. God sees you.”
A thought for today:
Let’s make love visible.
Let’s make it practical.
Be blessed and be a blessing.
📖 Bible Verses on Trust
The Bible is full of verses echoing this call to trust in God alone. Here are a few:
- “Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust…” Psalm 40:4
- “I will wait for the Lord… I will put my trust in Him.” Isaiah 8:17
- “Lord Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in You.” Psalm 84:12
- “Blessed is he who trusts in the Lord.” Proverbs 16:20
- “He who trusts in the Lord will be enriched.” Proverbs 28:25
- “Whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” Proverbs 29:25
- “You will keep in perfect peace those… who trust in You.” Isaiah 26:3
- “Cursed is the one who trusts in man… blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.” Jeremiah 17:5–7
- “The Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in Him.” Psalm 32:10
