This weekend I heard a new concept or at least, for me, a new way of describing an old idea...loving without limits. Most people have no problem loving their spouses, their children, or their parents. We love a friend and that causes no dilemma. In fact loving those who love us is easy. It's loving the unlovable, the disgusting, and the stranger that gives us cause for pause.
When we try to love someone who does not reciprocate the affection, someone who is in desperate need of a bath, or someone who continues to make poor life choices, we tend to justify. We look for reasons why loving that person is impossible, not only for us but for everyone we know who is civilized and a 'good Christian'.
Loving without limits opens the door for possibilities. There is no room for justification because there is none. Christ was clear. We are to treat the stranger as if he were Christ himself. The Lord tells us to meet them where they have a need and He does not tell us that there are exceptions.
Loving without limits...such a thought. Do you mean I have to share a meal with a drug addict? Are you saying that a drunk who is in need of a place to sleep is someone I should love and even provide him a pillow for his head? And even more scary...what about that writer I meet at a conference who thinks they are a better writer than I am, who is vying for the attention of the same publisher, editor, or agent that I am?
Loving without limits means that whomever God places in my path, I am to love, to fufill their need and I am to show them the same love Christ would show them if He were standing in my place. For some, we will be the only Jesus they will ever see. Are you ready? Look for the adventure of whom God wil bring into your scope off influence.
Barbara Ann Derksen, writer and speaker, rides with Chritian Motorcyclists Association, sharing her faith and ministering to bikers. What opportunities has God placed in your life and will you love without limits?
Looking for a place to feel inspired and challenged? Like to share a smile or a laugh? Interested in becoming more familiar with Canadian writers who have a Christian worldview? We are writers who live in different parts of Canada, see life from a variety of perspectives, and write in a number of genres. We share the goal of wanting to entertain and inspire you to be all you can be with God's help.
Wednesday, June 08, 2011
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Popular Posts
-
Write Canada is more than a professional networking conference. It’s a safe place where beginning and intermediate writers can learn ...
-
Inspiration hardly strikes on an empty stomach. For this, and other reasons, writers must eat. And if you like minced beef (and you...
-
By Rev. Dr. Ed & Janice Hird By Rev. Dr Ed and Janice Hird What if most of the people in your family died from incurable illnes...
-
My present journey through the Bible has landed me in the book of Jonah, a good place to land in January. When Jonah opened his in-box he f...
-
On Thanksgiving Sunday, our daughter and son-in-law blessed us with our first grandchild. My heart sings as I gaze in ...
-
I regularly pray, asking God for wisdom and direction for all the little and big decisions of my year, weeks, days and moments. I trust that...
-
Last week, I read this quote, “ Don’t regret growing older, it’s a privilege denied many.” I though about the truthfulness of this quote....
-
Hey Mr Tambourine Man By the Rev. Dr. Ed Hird One of the most romantic dates that my wife Janice and I go on is to the local librar...
-
Commercials and television ads define their products with slogans. The Coke ad says, “Coke is it.” KFC says, “We do chicken right.” ...
-
(This was first published on my website as a meditation in December 2007.) Once more the Christian year rolls round to the last few days of ...
2 comments:
Barbara Ann,what can one say to the challenge you have extended, when it comes from our Lord Himself, who loved and loves without limits? The disciples felt a similar challenge regarding forgiving without limits, "Lord increase our faith." Thank God He does!
Great reminder about the right perspective. Thanks, Barbara Ann.
:)
PS - had a "biker blessing" at our church two weeks ago. Vroom vroom.
;)
Post a Comment