PROVE IT
2 CORINTHIANS 8:24
2 CORINTHIANS 8:24 NKJ
24 Therefore show to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love and of our boasting on your behalf.
OBSERVATION:
Prove it is a phrase that is part of a challenge. Typically, it is attached to a statement or a response to a statement.
For example, someone says they really want to play a sport. Prove it by practicing. As a student If you want to play high school football in Texas, you have the opportunity to prove it with practice looming in August.
Another says they want to have their own business. Prove it by getting the knowledge or finding a mentor, by taking a step in that direction.
Now here is a big one. Boy says to girl, I love you. Girl responds with, prove it. Proof requires action. Side note; don't allow anyone to manipulate you into doing anything that violates your conscience and what you know to be right. Too often, prove it has been the cause of error. Parents, this is something for you to be aware of as your children reach their teen years.
In this eighth chapter, Paul is writing to the church about one topic, giving. The Corinthian church had promised to give to help the believers in other areas who were hurting financially. These days were way before government help or any type of welfare program. The church had to take care of its own.
Paul is encouraging the church to not just promise but to do. In verse 24, he asks them to show the proof of their love by their giving.
Love has a give to it. Too often, we have equated love with feelings or romance, but the God kind of love gives. Jesus gave us the simple but powerful example of God's love in John 3:16. For God so loved the world that He gave His Son. The proof of God's love for us is found in His gift of Jesus.
Jesus proved His love for mankind and for God by voluntarily going to the cross.
The proof of love is found in what we do even more than what we say.
APPLICATION:
Prove it applies to so many areas of our lives. We can have a heart full of good intentions and desires, but they have no power until we act. Jesus said in Luke 6:48, "why do you call Me Lord, Lord and not do the things which I say?" Our acts of obedience are proof of our love for Him and his Lordship in our lives.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, I do love You. Please show me how I can align my actions with what is in my heart.