I was reminded of something today while in my daily devotional from 40 Days of Community. We show our love for God by loving others. This doesn't mean just having positive feelings for them or how much we do for others but hinges on how much we give of ourselves to others. This really hit me right between the eyes. How much of myself do I really give to others? Everyday I am surrounded by people that God has placed in my path for me to love them...give them some of me and ultimately then, some of God. How often do I take the opportunity to do that? Instead I usually look at people as objects or tools to have my needs met whether it is the postal worker, shop owner, customer service person on the other end of the phone. I want to open my eyes more to the opportunities God sends my way.
You might think well you are a pastor and leading this 40 days thing so you should be feeling that way. That's not the reason. I really, really want to learn how to love people more. Each and everyone of us can do this. Who are the 5-10 people in our life right now that we know who we don't necessarily have a close relationship with but see each other in passing (work, store, school, ECA's). What would it look like if we started to take opportunities to give them part of our lives? We could love them more! What am I waiting for? What are you waiting for?
I think we can easily make the mistake of claiming we know and love God but in our actions we have nothing to prove this. It is not possible to love God and not have a willingness to love his creation. You can't claim to love one and not the other. Look at what the scripture says in Ephesians 5:2
Be full of love for others, following the example of Christ who loved you and gave himself to God as a sacrifice to take away your sins.
I am asking myself and all who read this today...how can we be more of a vehicle of God's love. If we are willing to be stretched, God will use us to change the world and we will do it together. God is doing new things in my heart this 40 Days. I pray he is for you as well!
In Community with you,
Your Dreaming Pastor
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
Thank you for this. I stumbled upon this and it has helped me realize that saying I love God and doing things to show that I love Him are two different things. When I read this, it hit me right where it hurts. All that to show that I have work to do.
Thank you for allowing God to use you.
Post a Comment