Go the Extra Mile

In his discourse on faith, James the apostle shared a striking thought on real love. He said, “Suppose there are brothers or sisters who need clothes and don’t have enough to eat. What good is there in your saying to them, “God bless you! Keep warm and eat well!”---if you don’t give them the necessities of life?” (James 2:15-16 GNB). He was basically telling us that we must go beyond talking love to exhibiting it, through godly and positive actions. In the Message translation, the latter part of our opening Scripture reads: “...My dear children, let’s not just talk about love; let’s practice real love.”

Practising real love means loving your brothers and sisters in the Lord, as Christ has loved you: “…He who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?” (1 John 4:20). So, you actually prove your love for God in the way you show love to others, especially fellow believers. If you don’t actively love those for whom Jesus died, then you really don’t love God.

Learn to help and give to others; genuinely care for others. Go the extra mile today to assist someone else. Never allow selfishness or self-centeredness any place in your heart. Always, at the slightest opportunity, do good to others. Remember that every little act of love or kindness you show to a fellow believer has great reward, for you’re actually doing it unto the Lord (Matthew 25:34-45).