Dear brothers and sisters in Christ. I greet you in the love of our Father – the same love that sent His only begotten Son, Jesus, to die for our sins so that we can be restored back into a relationship with God.
Welcome in joining the Territory in our first 24/7 Word and Prayer for 2022, on the theme of “loving sincerely”
We love because God first loved us! Sincere love is described in Paul’s famous 1 Corinthians 13, verses 4 & 5, as “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. When we show that sincere love towards the people in our lives, it’s an expression of the same love God has shown to us.
In Jesus, sincere love is near. We can only know that sincere love by reaching out and touching our Lord and experience Him for ourselves, just like how Thomas did in John 20. It is true that God loves the world, but that truth will never be realised until we say, “He loved me and gave Himself for me.” Read Galatians 2:20 in the Bible.
In Jesus, sincere love is approachable. Christ love was near enough to invite a doubter’s exploring fingers, near enough to touch a blind man’s eyes. See Jesus with Children (Matthew 19:13-15). See Jesus with a demon-possessed man (Mark 5:2-8) and a sick woman (Mark 5:25-34). In effect, I feel Jesus is saying “watch and follow me and you will demonstrate sincere love.” Jesus loved with no barriers. Sincere love is to go and do likewise. Not to be an obstacle to people.
In Jesus, sincere love is helpful. Needy people not only found Jesus near and approachable, but He met their needs. Multitudes were fed, lepers were cleansed, sinners were forgiven. Even in the hour of His own agony, Jesus answered the appeal of a dying thief. And now He is present with the Father and is always living to plead on our behalf. Sincere love is to pray, serve humbly and bring souls to Jesus!
I trust Romans 12:9 that says “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good” is indeed an active choice to continue as we “Keep in Step with the Spirit” and “Stand for Christ” with our heartiest commitment!
May we find that sincere love through the Word and prayers, and as we savour and respect it, we will live a joyful & meaningful life.
Hary Haran (Lieut. Colonel)
Chief Secretary
Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar Territory with Thailand
Virtual Prayer Room
