FBCD_FaithEssentials_June_FlipBook

Faith Essentials

As He went about preaching, teaching, and healing, Jesus valued the individual, often spending time with them. He asked the women at the well for a drink and then spent the necessary time to tell her about living water. (John 4). Later, with the crucifixion just days away, He stopped to visit with a Jewish tax collector. The two then went to Zacchaeus’ house where they continued the conversation (Luke 19:1-10). In both cases, those who Jesus spent time with repented of their sins and received salvation. Show love by giving your money— As God’s hold on us tightens, we begin to view money from an eternal perspective—God is the owner and we are the stewards. We become bolder, less selfish, and more generous in our stewardship. Such was the case with the Good Samaritan. He not only covered the immediate expenses of the victim, but additional costs when he returned. You can give without loving but you can’t love without giving. Be open to fresh, new ways to share your resources. Focus on this challenge as we conclude this section on spreading the love horizontally: “Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8, emphasis added). It is interesting to note that the Greek word for fervent, ektenes, suggests athletes stretching and straining muscles in an exerted effort. This is not a warm and fuzzy love that God calls us to, but one of strenuous intention. If I could condense these faith essentials into one word, it would be “love.” Love takes precedent over all other fruits, virtues, and characteristics. Giving people the benefit of the doubt, we ought to make every effort to maintain love in a relationship, no matter what has happened or how difficult the situation becomes. As Paul writes, “Now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13).

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