Vital Signs: Sunday, September 29, 2024

“Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help. Then your salvation will come like the dawn, and your wounds will quickly heal. Your godliness will lead you forward, and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind. Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.” - Isaiah 58:7-8, 10 (NLT)

A Guideline for Godly Living

Isaiah, speaking the message of the Lord, proclaims what God desires from us—and it is not a group of insincere people going through religious motions. God wants us to actively help those in need. He has informed us that loving others is loving Him. The love God desires is authentic, active, compassionate, and selfless. It takes action to feed, free, restore, forgive, and serve those who are in great need. Simply being religious to look good is the last thing God wants from us.

Father, may Your desires be our desires in Jesus' name. May we desire to keep Your commandments more than anything in the world!