Tag Archives: “God is love” (1 John 4:8).

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find

“So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened” (Luke 11:9-10 NKJV).

We had walked from Katithok to Dordor in the middle hills of Nepal to have a Bible Study at the home of a family there. When the study was completed the mother of the lady in whose home we had studied asked us to come with her to her house. It was a 15 to 20 minute walk around the village and through some terraced crop land to her home.

When we arrived it was obvious why she wanted us to visit. She is obviously very poor, and quite elderly, so unable to work. Her home was one room, with thatched roof well past needing to be replaced and walls of sticks held together with a few rickety poles of framing. She pointed out all of the problems and asked us to help her improve her house.

As humans, we have limited resources, and therefore are often unable to meet all the needs with which we are confronted. Jesus pointed out that even so, a good father or neighbor will often inconvenience himself to give to his children or to friends who request something from him (Luke 11:5-8; 11-13). The desire to give to those in need is a natural response, even to selfish humans.

God on the other hand has unlimited resources plus an infinite love and generosity.

“For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. . . . The world is mine and all its fullness” (Psalm 50:10, 12).

“Now to him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20).

God is the giver of all good things, the source of light (1 John 1:5), life (Genesis 2:7; 2 Peter 1:3), mercy (Titus 2:11; 3:4-5), material necessities (Matthew 6:31-33; Acts 14:17) and all spiritual blessings (Ephesians 1:3).
Regrettably, none of us can provide for every need of the poor or helpless in this earth. However, that does not relieve us from the obligation to help when we can.

“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10).

“Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world” (James 1:27).

As Christians, we are “to be ready for every good work” (Titus 3:1). We must give as we can, sharing the blessings which God has so liberally bestowed upon us. By doing so we not only obey Jesus’ commands, but we give testimony to the love and glory of God.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

There are times (frequently) when each of us – even the wealthiest – have needs which cannot be satisfied by man alone. At all such times we should remember our Father’s richness and love and ask him for help. As James wrote, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5).
We have learned to be dependent upon government, charities, and even our family and friends. Their ability and willingness to help is limited at best. Let us not forget that we have an all-powerful and loving Father whose resources never cease, and who will never tire of helping his children. “God is love” (1 John 4:8).

by Michael Brooks