How are we to love?

Hey y'all!



I'm reading this FABULOUS book titled "Called to Love" by Kaye Miller. I'm about 1/3 of the way through the book and have highlighted all over it like crazy with little tid bits to blog about so be ready!



In the "Introduction" section was a statement so profund, I've been pondering on it for over a week and wanted to share it with y'all. Here 'tis:



"the love of Jesus calls us to much more than a smile. He calls us to take the love that puts a smile on our own faces and real joy in our hearts and to share that love with the world. Relentlessly, redemptively, faithfully, and patiently, we are to freely give waht we have freely received."

It takes me to a scripture reference that has always been profound to me but never more profound than at this juncture in my life. It is:

Luke 12:47-49 (New King James Version)
47 And that servant who knew his master’s will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. 48 But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.

The part that speaks to me is v. 48b: "For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more."

Folks, we've been given much and had much committed to us through the death of Christ! He has given us His love, His grace and His mercy AND committed the spread of the gospel to us. As such, it seems pretty evident to me that He requires much from us and asks more from us than we are giving now! Why in the world would we horde all that He has given to us and not share it with the world?!!!!

So, here's a challenge for all of us: be deliberate about the call that Jesus' love places on our lives! Get out there and share Him with everyone you (and I mean we!) meet. Your doctor, dental hygienist, grocery cashier, restaurant host/waiter, neighbor, friend, family member and anyone and everyone else you come in contact with. Let's live out the call of Jesus' love together!

May the Lord bless you all and may His countenance shine upon you all!

Love in Christ,
Stephanie