When I was a first-semester freshman in college, some guys showed up to my dorm room and asked me if I was going to go through fraternity rush. I had no idea what they were talking about!
I soon found out that it involved parties, girls, and large amounts of alcohol. (My life goals were a little different in my pre-redeemed state.) But as I went through the week of parties and being invited back for a few more, there was something about some of the guys in the Lambda Chi house that captured my attention and became the deciding factor for me. Their priorities were different; some of them didn’t seem as enthralled by the party scene. There was a bond and a love some of them had for one another that I hadn’t experienced before. At first I mistakenly assumed that it was because they were from Minnesota!
Later, after pledging that fraternity, I learned that some of the young men I was so impressed with were followers of Jesus. When I came to faith in Jesus Christ that semester, it was primarily because I had seen God’s love on display in them—love towards one another and love towards me!
A few posts ago, I quoted Acts 2:44: “And all the believers lived in a wonderful harmony, holding everything in common” (MSG). A couple verses later (verses 46,47), we can see the effect that love on display can have on the not-yet-believing world.
They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
I believe that one of the missing ingredients in our evangelism these days is that we don’t have open communities of believers who invite not-yet-believing people into their midst so that they can see and experience the love of God. It’s the most attractive force in the world.
Do you meet regularly with other believers with whom you share your lives? Are there not-yet-believing people who could benefit from seeing love on display?