Does everyone know you care?

For the next several weeks. We (the 15th and Crawford Church of Christ) will be stating several Bible principles and asking the questions: Have you heard? Do you agree? Do you follow? Would you like to know more, giving everyone the opportunity to hear and believe (Romans 10:17) and also an opportunity to learn (Acts 8:30-35). If you would like to write in, email any questions, or responses to be answered or published feel free to do so.

Today's principle: Love your neighbor.

If your neighbor's house was on fire, would you think twice about saving one of them? Without a doubt, you become a savior. Is that love for your neighbor, or just a reaction? The answer is in Christ. (Luke 19:10) "for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." The definition of seek is to endeavor to obtain or reach. For God so loved the world that He did this by reaching man in Christ. The definition of save is rescue from harm, or to redeem. Christ did this by His blood for the remission of sin. Love for man caused Him to set His face toward the cross.

Now the question is: If your neighbor's house is not on fire, do you think twice about saving one of them? Do they know you care about their soul and not just about saving a physical life. The answer is still in Christ. We know He did. (Phil 2:8) "He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross."

Is it possible that you have a friend or neighbor who feels that no one cares for their soul? David, while hiding from King Saul, thought he had been deserted by all his friends. David said, "Look on my right hand and see, for there is no one who acknowledges me; refuge has failed me; no one cares for my soul" (Psa. 142:4). Let's get serious here for a moment. Have you known someone in the last few years who has died unprepared to meet God. Did your love for them cause you to seek them out and deliver a saving message?

Better yet, does your own household know you care? They will, if you are instructing them by God's word (Deut. 6:6-7). How about your friends? One of Paul's desires was for the salvation of his nation (Rom. 10:1-3). At one point Paul said, "woe is me if I do not preach the gospel" (1 Cor. 9:16). It's easy to strike up a conversation with a friend or neighbor about sports or politics, but guess what, that doesn't save. Salvation of a soul is worth more than the world itself (see Matt. 16:26).

Finally, do your brothers and sisters in Christ know you care for their soul (1 Peter 3:8)? Love for them is also expressed by action. Take action before the fire starts. It could be a matter of life and death for you both. Don't stand at the judgment and have no answer to His question, "Who did you bring with you?" (see Ezek. 3:18-21).

Jesus came to this world with this message: Believe and repent (Mark 1:15) "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel." Confess (Matt 10:32)

"Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven." Be baptized (Matt 28:19) "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." This is the same loving message we bring today. Respond to His love today.

Feel free to study, comment, ask questions, suggest a topic, or even stop in for a visit any time. Information for write in or a visit: Church of Christ, 1423 S. CrawfordlFort Scott, Kan., 66701.

Any other comments or questions: Please email me personally (Minister, Mike Chipman) at mikeychip@sbcglobal.net or by phone at (620) 224-6681. Thank you for your time and God bless.