The Importance of Being There
I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.—2 John 1:12 (NIV)
May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.—EPHESIANS 3:19 NLT
After watching a woman care for her dying mother, the nurse pulled her aside. “You should seriously consider becoming a nurse. Your skills and compassion are much needed.”
The daughter shook her head. “No,” she said, “nursing is contrary to all I am. I can only do it for Mom because I love her.”
We do many things outside of our comfort zone because of our love for the person we are attempting to help. Tasks and duties that go against our nature, our giftedness, our abilities.
God’s love for us is even more powerful in that He loved us while we were yet sinners. He saw beyond our sin and reached out to make a relationship with Him possible. He loved us so much He gave His only Son to die in our place. Wow! As Frederick M. Lehman, the author of the hymn “The Love of God,” wrote:
“The love of God is greater far
Than tongue or pen can ever tell….
The guilty pair, bowed down with care,
God gave His Son to win:
His erring child He reconciled
And pardoned from his sin.
Oh, love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!”
Father, today may I experience the length, breadth, height, and depth of Your wondrous love. May I show that love to others when You call me to serve outside my comfort zone.
I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.—2 John 1:12 (NIV)
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.—2 Corinthians 1:3–4 (NIV)
The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper.—Proverbs 19:8 (NIV)