“Love one another with mutual affection.” (Romans 12:10, NRSVUE)
The Bible instructs followers of Jesus to “love one another with mutual affection” (Romans 12:10, NRSVUE). But what does that really mean?
There are many ways we can do that, but one of those ways is to use our resources — whether that’s money, time, or effort — to express love to each other. Every time you give to God, you’re drawn closer to him — and every time you give to other people, you grow closer to them.
I like to think of loving other believers as investing in God’s Mutual Fund — in something that will yield dividends for eternity.
When you write a note of encouragement to a fellow believer, you make a deposit in God’s Mutual Fund. When you take a meal to someone who’s ill, you invest in them. Did you open your home for a small group gathering? That’s another deposit in the Mutual Fund. When you watch someone else’s kids so they can attend a church retreat, you’re still investing. Or how about when you take a struggling friend out for lunch and conversation? That’s an investment in the Mutual Fund.
Every act of love, every small gesture — it all counts. You’re not just giving to meet a need; you’re also building something eternal. You’re storing up treasures in heaven.
Why should we do this? The Bible says, “What you are doing is much more than a service that supplies God’s people with what they need. It is something that will make many others thank God” (2 Corinthians 9:12, CEV).
When we believers give to each other, we make the gospel visible. Our generosity becomes a living testimony. When we’re generous and hospitable, even to those we don’t know well, we’re showing the world what true faith looks like.
As Psalm 133:1 says, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity” (NIV). That’s the power of investing in the Mutual Fund — our love builds unity and reflects God’s heart to the world.
- How have people in God’s family invested in your life? How have those investments changed you for the better?
- You don’t need to have money to invest in other believers. What are ways you can invest in fellow believers without spending money?
- Think about the believers in your life — in your church, your neighborhood, or at work. What is one way you can invest in one of those believers this week?
Prayer
Lord, I thank You for the family of believers who have supported me at all times. And I thank You for the times I got to show my love and support for my fellow believers when it was needed. Grant that I always have the opportunity to reach out to anyone who has need and show love and support, in Christ.
Stay encouraged!
Pastor Mike
