Spiritual Fruit: A Labor of Love? - Charles Stanley Faith and works go hand in hand.

A Christian is one whom Christ uses to carry ou t His work on earth. Therefore, serving God is more than just something we do; w orking for the Lord also defines who we are. After joining Gods family, believers are recognizable by their fruit, which inclu des the services they perform for Him and for others. In fact, the Lord rescues people from sin so that they can do the work He has planned (Ephesians 2:10). It has often been said that we are Gods hands and feet in this world. The same Father who calls us to work in His name also provides the necessary res ources. As Paul said, the Lord makes grace abound to His children so that they h ave an abundance for every good deed (2 Corinthians 9:8). Moreover, we are equip ped by His Word and strengthened and guided by His Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:1617) . From these sources, Christians learn lessons about relating to others so they can help, encourage, and give to them. Lets be clear that works have nothing to do with salvation. We are saved by grace alone through Jesus Christs sacrifice on the cross. Period. After that happens, a believer is motivated to do good in the Lords name in order to please Him. We are called to act out our faith every day. God works through us to reach thos e who may never otherwise open the Bible or enter a church. Whats more, He borrow s our voice to tell His story and uses our life to demonstrate His grace and glo ry. Good deeds are a believer s labor of love. Taken from Our Labor of Love by In Touch Ministries (used by permission).