Profit is not cents, but souls. Profit is not gain for ourselves, but gain for others. Profit is not time off, but “time in” profitable ventures. Profit is not freedom to do what we want for ourselves, but profit is freedom from hell and slavery to sin for others.
And so, we read in today’s Scripture: “All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify. Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbor.” Verses 23-24. “just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit but the profit of the many, so that they may be saved.” Verse 33.
We can nod our heads quickly in agreement, because this is not a strange teaching. Throughout Scripture, we are commanded to love one another.
But, we are naturally selfish. Who can love others as one should love others?! Who sincerely and fully seeks that profit of others?!
But, there is hope!
The Spirit of God produces the fruit of love within us so that we can sincerely and fully seek that profit of others. Praise God!
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23.
“We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love abides in death.” 1 John 3:14.
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.” 1 John 4:7.
“We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. By this, love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, so also are we in this world.” 1 John 4:16-17.
“We love, because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:19.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 