Not Spoiled
By Doug Bing, Washington Conference president
Over the years, I have been accused of many things.
Sometimes, those accusations have been true. Other times, they have been a far stretch of people’s imagination. Recently, another accusation was thrown my way.
I was accused of spoiling my one and only granddaughter.
I’m pretty sure that accusation is far from the truth. I haven’t spoiled my granddaughter—she’s just very loved :)
I have even managed to say no to her once or twice when she was getting into mischief. Truly, I have listened carefully to the instructions given by her parents and have tried my best to stay within those boundaries.
Being a grandparent is truly a gift from God, giving you yet another opportunity to expand your love to another person.
John 15:16-17 tells us about God’s love for us—a love that moves within us and compels us to share it with others. As we grow in our love for God, He produces fruit in our lives, allowing us to share it with those around us.
Jesus reminds us:
You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. These things I command you, that you love one another.
As Christians, we are the fruit of Jesus’ redemption. Through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we are called to use our spiritual gifts to share Jesus with others! Notice that God wants our fruit to remain—not spoil or go bad. He wants us to use it. The love Jesus has given us is meant to be shared with those around us.
Jesus’ love was always meant to bear fruit.
This week, as we reflect on the love Jesus has for us, let’s pray that we bear fruit that never spoils. God is ready to answer your prayers and bring someone into your life who needs a kind word, a smile, a prayer, or even a warm meal.
Let’s pray for fruit that lasts. Let’s embrace God’s love in our lives and share it with others.