Love With Good Deeds Done In Secret

“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?  ……  Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds…..As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” James 2:14..26 (NIV)

“Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away …. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:8..13 (NIV)

There is always someone praying for someone.

I have learned to be patient before meals when it is not my turn to pray. My prayers tend to be short during those times. But when my wife and daughter pray, they cover everyone they know. Those prayers are usually across continents and everyone is important in their eyes. They remember our Lord, everyone they know, and what they need. I have learned to enjoy those long prayers even when the food gets cold.

In those 10 minutes, these prayers are done in a fasting style by denying the flesh with the temptation of the food on the table. When you keep doing it three times daily without ceasing, those prayers become powerful and effective. I’m a witness to that. But when they have meals together with friends, they would have shorter and quicker prayers. These are the demonstrations of love and compassion done in secret.

“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Matthew 6:1-4 (NIV)

I have seen many people who like to be acknowledged when they give, especially when those giving are for personal or company images. There was always pride and ego involved. Before knowing our Lord Jesus Christ, I was one of them. Earthly recognition is only temporary, and you and I know that people forget things fast now. What would it add to our salvation even if someone does not forget our good deeds? Absolutely nothing. Do I seek recognition from above? I do. I think you too.

James said, “Faith without deeds is dead.” Paul said, “Love is greater than Faith.”

Then, what about Love without deeds? I don’t know….

But I do know our Lord said He will not forget good deeds done in secret (in love).

And that’s good enough for me.

Becomelects Ministry