And this is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as He has commanded us. 1 John 3:23

Every once in a while conservative Christians -- and this includes a fair share of the readers of the Daily Devotions -- receive a backhanded compliment.

In an article designed to "shame liberals into being more charitable," New York Times writer Nicholas Kristoff, commented: "when it comes to individual contributions to charitable causes, liberals are cheapskates" and "the stingiest of the stingy are secular" liberals.

On the other side of the giving spectrum is the religious conservative who not only gives financially, but also contributes personally. Referring to the book, Who Really Cares, Kristoff says, conservatives are more likely to volunteer for good causes. He even surmises, if "liberals and moderates gave blood as often as conservatives, the American blood supply would increase by 45 percent."

So, what does all this prove?

I believe, at least in part, it shows that many followers of the Savior have heard, and taken seriously, the apostle John's admonition to "love one another just as He has commanded us."

How could we not? We have been blessed to have faith in the Redeemer who was sent to be God's gracious gift to save us. To rescue humanity from itself, as well as the slavery of sin and Satan, Jesus lived His life. By His commitment, which ended up with His death on a cross, and His burial in a borrowed grave, all who believe on Him are forgiven and saved.

Now, the risen Lord asks us to love our fellow man. In doing so we not only give thanks to Him, but we also bear witness to the change the Savior has brought into the lives of those who acknowledge Him as their Redeemer.

So, to all you faithful followers of the Savior, allow me to say, Good job! Your charity, your contributions, and your commitments being done in the name of the Christ are not going unnoticed.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, while I was still a sinner You came to save me. In an unparalleled act of love and compassion, You gave Yourself so I might be forgiven. As I am given opportunity, may I reflect Your care to others. In Your Name. Amen.

Do you know someone who might be blessed by the Daily Devotions? If so, please forward this to them, encouraging them to click on this link: http://www.lhm.org/email/register.asp. You may also click the "Forward this devotion to a friend" link below.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Job 8-10    Matthew 9:1-17

To Download Devotion MP3 to your computer, right click here and select "Save Link As" or "Save Target As" or "Download Linked File As"