5-4-20 Devotional
Augustine defined love as "not a bodily action, but an inward disposition."
This is bull.
The love we see throughout Scripture is a love that required action. One theologian defines **love as acting intentionally in response to God and others to promote overall well-being. ** This intentional action requires, well, action. It requires our bodies to get involved. If I have an Augustinian "inward disposition" of love towards my children, but never do anything that promotes their well-being, then no one would reasonably believe that I love my children.
(Augustine wrote that definition of love in his writings on just war theory. One could, in his mind, love his enemy while simultaneously running them through with a sword.)
Paul sees faith, hope, and love, not as merely inward dispositions, but as concepts that compel action. Paul remembers the Thessalonians WORK produced by FAITH; their ENDURANCE inspired by HOPE; and their LABOR prompted by LOVE.
As Jesus followers, we are not trying to produce merely warm fuzzy feelings within us. We don't aim to simply "send thoughts and prayers." We can be confident that we are people of faith, hope, and love when we are people of hard work, strong endurance, and known for labor born of love.
This is what Paul means when he, Timothy, and Silas brought The Gospel "not just with words but with power." Declaring The Gospel is not simply the act of speaking. The Gospel (i.e. the good news that Jesus is King) is declared through both word and deed.
Apply
As you think about Gospel-Declaration in your life, are you more naturally a Words or Deeds kind of person? How can you bring rhythm to the Words and Deeds of Gospel Declaration to your life?
Pray
Source of Faith, Hope, and Love,
I thank You that You are a giver of good gifts,
including the power of the Spirit
working within me.
Empower me to join You in Your work of renewal of all things,
That the world might know that Jesus reigns
Through the work, labor, and endurance of my life.
Amen.