Topic: The Best Time to Love Is Now [RICK WARREN Devotional 29 September 2023]
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The Best Time to Love Is Now
BY RICK WARREN — SEPTEMBER 29, 2023
FROM 40 DAYS OF LOVE
“Whenever you possibly can, do good to those who need it. Never tell your neighbors to wait until tomorrow if you can help them now.”
Proverbs 3:27-28 (GNT)
The best time to love is now. Not tomorrow. Not later. Not someday. Not one of these days. Not when you get around to it. Not soon. Now.
I don’t understand people who say, “I’m going to save all my money, and when I die, I’m going to give it away to charity.”
Why do that? Why not enjoy giving regularly? Why not experience the joy of giving while you’re still alive? Whatever you plan to give of yourself—whether it’s your money, time, energy, or something else—give it now!
Years ago, we received a check at Saddleback Church from a couple who knew we needed to upgrade our worship center from analog to digital and replace equipment that was more than 15 years old. The check was for half a million dollars, and it had a note with it that said, “It’d be great to have some new carpet, too.”
That couple got a whole lot more joy out of giving now rather than after they’re dead. This is why I say, “Do your givin’ while you’re livin’, then you’re knowin’ where it’s goin’.” And it will give you joy!
For most people, love isn’t going to look like writing a $500,000 check. For you, love might look like visiting someone in the hospital, writing a letter to someone who’s lonely, or being kind to your obnoxious coworker. Whatever love looks like for you, you should do it now.
The Bible says, “Whenever you possibly can, do good to those who need it. Never tell your neighbors to wait until tomorrow if you can help them now” (Proverbs 3:27-28 GNT).
Did you know that God specifically puts people around you so you can show them love? There are some activities in life where it’s okay to procrastinate—to delay until a better time. But you should never procrastinate in showing love.
Learning to love is the reason God put you on Earth—and it should always take priority over everything else.
Never procrastinate in showing love. Don’t delay. Don’t put it off. Do it now.
Talk It Over
- What do you need to do today to show love to someone in your life?
- What are the distractions or excuses that keep you from loving well now?
- What is God asking you to give now that you have put off?
Where will you spend eternity?
Your sins separate you from God. And it is only God’s grace that allows you back into a right relationship with him.
The Bible says, “It is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV).
If you’re ready to make peace with your Creator, then pray this prayer:
“Dear Jesus, I don’t want my sin to separate me from you any longer. You have promised that if I believe in you, everything I’ve ever done wrong will be forgiven, I will learn the purpose of my life, and you will accept me into your eternal home in heaven one day.
Also Read:Open Heaven 29 September 2023 – Topic: MODERATION
“I confess my sin, and I believe you are my Savior. You have promised that if I confess my sin and trust you, I will be saved. I believe you when you say salvation comes by grace, through faith, and not by anything I do. I receive you into my life as my Lord. Today, I’m turning over every part of my life to your management.
“I want to live the way you created me to live and use the rest of my life to serve you instead of serving myself. I commit my life to you and ask you to save me and accept me into your family. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”
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