Reflecting His Love

Published 9/5/19

Read Matthew 25:34-36

"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' "

Reflect

• Who do you think of when you read the words "reflecting His love"?

You may say to yourself, "I could never willingly preach the gospel to a cannibalistic tribe. I hope God never asks me to live in poverty."

Some will never know the supernatural boldness given by Him to accomplish the difficult tasks Christ asks of us. Others already have experienced His overflowing measure of love and grace spilling over to everyone around. However, you may be one still wondering if given the extreme circumstance, would you be able to reflect His love?

I want to introduce you to someone who happens to be my best friend. We have been friends for a long time, but we didn't start to get close until my sophomore year in high school. That was the year when I decided to talk to him more than a friendly greeting, an occasional "thank you" when he opened a door for me or kept me safe from the world's deceivers and predators.

My friend is the best listener and gives the best advice. Through the years, I have cried to him about a broken relationship or a job that didn't work out and he has always been ready to listen. Every time, I come away with a peace knowing that God is still taking care of me. He always reminds me how faithful God is to accomplish the plans He has for me. He says he prays for me, especially when I don't know how to pray. I can always trust him at his word.

My best friend, you may have guessed, is the Lord Jesus Christ. My faith in him becomes more real, the more I make him a part of my life. Here's what I've discovered: We learn what real faith is by spending as much time with Him as possible. In Philippians 4:6 Paul urges his readers "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." I take that very literally. I want to come to a point where I am not anxious about the outcomes of my decisions because I have assurance that I have discussed the situation with my Lord and He's led me in the direction He wills.

Therefore, I pray and tell the Lord every request and question I have. He'll answer me one way or another--possibly not the way I would have liked, but His way is always best.

Pray

Lord, make me a reflection of your wonderful love. Show me how to shine among my friends and family. Amen.