What does the concept of hosting God in your heart mean to you? Is it the simple of following all the rules set forth in service of the church? Or does it represent a much deeper connection with God that is led by love? Many of us as Christians are good at following the rules that the Church teaches us, but it is easy to fall into the trap of performing acts of kindness out of obligation rather than love.
We might serve others because we feel we have to, or because it makes us look good. However the heart of Christian service is not in the act itself, but in the love that motivates it.
As Jesus said to as, “I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.” (John 13:34). This my friends, is what it means to host God within our lives and to lead with love.
Hosting Genuine Love In Your Heart
Consider the story of Martha and Mary in the Gospel of Luke. Martha was busy with all the preparations needed for hosting Jesus, while Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, listening to His words. Martha was frustrated and perhaps a little jealous – she asked Jesus to tell Mary to help her. Jesus responded, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.”
Jesus was not dismissing Martha’s work but highlighting the importance of doing it with the right heart. Martha’s actions were overshadowed by anxiety and frustration, whereas Mary chose to focus on the love and teachings of Jesus.
The quality of our love determines the authenticity and impact of our actions. The Bible reminds us in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 that without love, even the grandest deeds are meaningless.
As we go about our daily lives, let us examine our hearts. Are we doing good deeds out of a sense of duty, or are we motivated by genuine love for others? Here are some ways to ensure our actions are rooted in true love:
- Pray for a Loving Heart: Ask God to fill your heart with His love so that your actions reflect His grace.
- Reflect on Your Motivations: Before serving others, take a moment to reflect on why you are doing it. Is it out of love, or is there another reason?
- Spend Time with Jesus: Just like Mary, prioritize your relationship with Jesus. The more we know Him, the more His love will flow through us.
- Serve with Joy: Let joy be the hallmark of your service. Genuine love brings joy, even in the midst of hard work.
Say This Prayer Now:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your boundless love for us.
Help us to serve others with the same love and compassion that You have shown us.
Guard our hearts against doing loveless deeds and teach us to host others with genuine love and joy.
May our actions be a true reflection of Your love in this world. Amen.
Hosting God’s love in our hearts is the foundation of our faith and the driving force behind our actions. When we host God’s love within us, it transforms not only our deeds but our entire being. This love is not just a feeling but a profound commitment to live according to God’s will, reflecting His nature in everything we do.
Challenge for the Week: Find one person you can serve this week, not out of obligation, but out of genuine love. Whether it’s a simple act of kindness or a significant gesture, let your heart be filled with love as you do it. Remember it’s not just about what you do, but how and why you do it! 💖
