Acting in Faith: Love Like Jesus
Doing good deeds for others is a big part of showing the world who Jesus is. Two verses in the book of Matthew showcase Jesus’ heart, which is one of the purest forms of his love. In 9:36-38 we learn about his compassion. “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Jesus sends out help to people in their time of need. Jesus further tells his disciples that, (Matthew 10:8) “Freely you have received, freely give.” He reminds us here that he gave to us freely out of love, so we need to do the same for others.
During my journey with God, I have had a period of loneliness and a feeling of unworthiness. This didn’t apply to just God, but every relationship around me. I remember at times not being able to look anyone in the eye, trying my best to blend in with the crowd to be as unnoticed as possible, and apologizing dramatically. Sometimes I’d even find myself apologizing just for existing. This period taught me the best parts of who God is though. I learned by leaning on God’s Word and praying before any decision. I was able to work through my pain and storms and keep my eyes on God. Day by day gradually God taught me what His peace meant in my feelings and situations. I struggled with not having many friends or family close by, or someone I felt could understand my mental state. Through the pain, God overwhelmed me with His love. I lived by Psalm 54:4-7, “Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me. I will sacrifice a freewill offering to you; I will praise your name, O Lord, for it is good. For he has delivered me from my troubles, and my eyes have looked in triumph on my foes.”
Daily offering my will to understand His will, asking Him to give me His eyes to see people how He sees them, the power of helping others through similar situations or brokenness overwhelmed me. Through my pain and trials, God has placed others in my life who are looking for the same answers I was and still am looking for. Caring for others through God’s eyes taught me to have compassion and care for myself.
Following God is one of the most rewarding, beautiful, terrifying, pride-hurting quests one can take. I use the word quest because at times it may feel like you are taking a path down a road of unfamiliar territory in search of the foe that seems impossible to overcome. To overcome the giant facing you but on the other side, the reward is God. We become warped into a world where what we think may be wrong. True strength comes from depending on God for the strength to keep moving forward. Proverbs 4:13 tells us, “Hold onto instruction, do not let it go, guard it well, for it is your life.” There are many forms of instruction that God may use. Everything from revealing Himself to us through those around us. Allowing us to feel the love and presence of God surrounding us. The Spirit places a conscious awareness on us about our need to change. When you allow yourself to push past the feeling of pride that is being hurt, a door of opportunities presents itself in the form of healing not just for yourself, but for those around you.
God desires us to choose to love each other as He has chosen to love us. Faith leads us and compels us to help and to love others in ways this world will never understand. The love of God for us doesn't make sense! We can be self-centered only thinking about what benefits us. When we walk by faith, we will see others differently and we will understand that our acts of faith have a profound impact on others. One simple gesture or decision at a time will make the path of God’s love strong and straight. Open the door for someone, help carry a bag for someone struggling, compliment the person who looks sad, and let others know they are seen because that is one of the biggest lessons from God, we are all seen.
Until next time, I hope everyone gets to enjoy their week and I pray whoever this reaches you can do one nice thing for someone for no other reason than to show them Jesus.
With love,
Kristen A.
