Opportunities
By George J. Stroh
September 10, 2014
So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith. (Galatians 6:10)
Everyday, each of us have opportunities to love others. Unfortunately, many of these God given opportunities to do good are sinfully squandered; Therefore, to the one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin. (James 4:17)
Why are these opportunities so often squandered? Sometimes because we simply choose to love ourselves rather than to love God or others. This is, of course, contrary to what Jesus said were the greatest commandments; And He said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it; You shall love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22:37-39)
But I think that most of the time opportunities to love others are missed just because we are not looking for them. We become so focused on ourselves, our needs and our wants, that we are not very sensitive to the many opportunities God gives us to love others; So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people... (Galatians 6:10)
To redeem these opportunities, God also gives us the necessary material resources, skills, talents and spiritual gifts. Loving someone may require that you share your material resources, your special talents and skills and some of your time. Maybe it is a kind word or godly counsel or word of encouragement. Sometimes you love someone by telling them the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.
We only have so many opportunities to love others. Our time on earth is short and unpredictable. Let's make the most of our God given opportunities to love Him and others while we still can; Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. (Romans 14:8) Maranatha!
