Remembered by a nail. This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. - 1 John 3:16-18 +++ Emil Mettler, a restaurant owner in London, was known for his generosity. He often fed people for nothing. If a representative of a Christian organization came in and told him of a need, he would open his cash drawer and give a sizable donation. One day Emil opened his cash drawer in the presence of a Missionary Official who noticed a nail among the bills and coins. Surprised at what he saw, the man asked, Whats that nail doing there? Emil picked up the 6-inch spike and replied, I keep this with my money to remind me of the price Christ paid for my salvation and what I owe Him in return. Emil used that nail to remind himself that he owed the Lord a great debt of love and gratitude because Jesus had laid down His life for him (1 John 3:16-23). Emil used that simple object to stimulate his own generosity as he remembered the Saviors sacrifice. +++ How often do we think about the sacrifice on Calvary where Jesus paid the penalty for our sin with His own death on the cross? Emils example inspires us in the midst of our most mundane activities to remember not just the thorns, the nails, and the spear-thrust, but the loving heart of Him who gave His life for us. O Lord! Teach me to love as Thou dost love, And let the whole world know That Jesus Christ lives in my heart, His glorious light to show. Christ gave Himself for us that we might give ourselves for others. Blessed Day! >
Posted on: Mon, 14 Jul 2014 03:57:23 +0000