Love... Always Protects

When He saw the crowds, He had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

Matthew 9:36 (ESV)

I am the Good Shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

John 10:11 (ESV)

If love 'Always protects' (1 Corinthians 13:7), what types of things should we love and protect?

  • Money, good looks, clothing, or position? No! Superficials aren’t priorities. Jesus 'Had no beauty or majesty to attract us to Him...’ (Isaiah 53:2).

  • Our lives, reputation, and achievements? No! Paul soon learned how little they mattered. ‘Whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ’ (Philippians 3:7).

  • Wives, husbands, children, parents, and cousins? Yes! But remember, God is #1. ‘ “Who is My mother, and who are My brothers?” Pointing to His disciples, He said, “Here are My mother and My brothers. For whoever does the will of My Father in Heaven is My brother and sister and mother” ‘ (Matthew 12:48-50).

  • The talents God entrusted to our care? Yes! Protect them from fear and apathy, so you can receive His commendation! “ ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant…’ “ (Matthew 25:20-21).*

  • The neighbors and strangers placed in our paths? Yes! Especially those who are poor, hurt, lost, lonely, or confined: the least of us! ‘Truly I say to you, inasmuch as you have done [or not done] it to one of the least of these… you have done [or have not done] it to Me’ (See Matthew 25:31-46).**

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

Countless fans are searching media’s fields, seeking someone or something to follow. Merchants see them as prey, with cash to spend! God sees them as sheep, needing protection.

You’re called to find them and lead them to Him. You’re shepherds serving the Master Shepherd.

Love… Always Protects (Part 21)

* The Parable of the Talents: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+25%3A14-30&version=NKJV

** The Judgment: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=mat+25%3A31-46&version=NASB

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re all called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re all called to models of Jesus, and we all have gifts, talents, and a commission to multiply them in the world for His glory.

P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend DAILY BIBLE READING.

WARNING: Don’t focus on your favorite verses, because taken out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!

Carey Arban