Be the Light: Embracing Love Beyond Boundaries
Matthew 5:43-48 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? ...
In our daily lives, it's all too easy to move through the world with blinders on, oblivious to the pain and suffering around us. The darkness of today's world can be overwhelming, but it's precisely in these moments that we're called to be the light. How do we manage to show love to others when we are hurting? The answer lies in understanding the true source of love.
1 John 4:16 reminds us, “So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” This profound truth underscores that God's love transcends our imperfections and mistakes, encompassing us wholly. If God doesn't expect perfection from us, why do we demand it from others?
When we acknowledge our brokenness, it is the first step towards fulfilling our purpose in the kingdom. When we stop striving to elevate ourselves above others, we can truly embody the love that God calls us to share. We become the hands and feet of Jesus right where we are.
Imagine the impact we could have if we approached every interaction with the mindset that we are Jesus on location—seeing others through His lens of unconditional love. Each encounter becomes an opportunity to extend grace and kindness, reflecting the love that has been lavished upon us.
Let's commit to being 'Jesus on location' in our daily lives. By embracing our imperfections and extending love to those around us, we fulfill our divine calling. Together, as imperfect vessels of God's perfect love, we can illuminate even the darkest corners of our world.
Prayer
Lord, today I come to you with all my imperfections, asking you to create in me a clean heart and a heart to see everyone as you do. Lord, I surrender all that I am to you, and I come to you as a willing vessel to do your will. Help me to look outside of myself and see that there is a hurting world out here, people who are looking for hope and something to believe in. Amen
