I am struggling to remember the purpose of ministry. I am not out to “save the world” or put an end to all of the world’s injustices – I can do neither on my own. In April, I remember someone saying that the goal of our ministry is that when we walk away from a person, they are left feeling loved by Jesus.
As I look over the past few days of ministry in Ratchaburi, I believe I can say that the people we encountered felt loved. But how does that make us different from any Peace Corps volunteer or English teacher? What does it look like to BE loved by Jesus, and what does it look like to love as He does? His love is so much greater than mine. I want to world to know that Jesus loves them, not Cameron.
As humans, we love those who love us, and we love those who are lovely. But to God, we are neither of those. God loved us while we were still sinners – ugly and hating Him. We were unlovable, but God loved us in that state. How great is our God!
God chooses to love the lowly and unlovable. He does not show partiality and He provides for those in need (Deut 10:15-18); God’s love protects and brings rest (Duet 33:12); His love is better than life (Psalm 63:3); His love lasts forever and will not end (Jer 31:3); because of His love, God will bless us and come make His home with us (John 14:21-23); His love brings complete unity and we are joined as one flesh (John 17:10, 23); His love calls us to be saints (Romans 1:7); His love is merciful (Titus 3:4-5); it disciplines and instructs (Hebrews 12:6); it is not afraid, but casts out all fear (1 John 4:18).
Lord, how can I possibly love in the way You love? In this short time I am in each country, often doing many different ministries, can I really show Your children the love of Jesus?
As I write this, I question my need to blog about something that seems so basic. For anyone who has been in church for even a short time, you have heard over and over that Jesus loves you. I am still learning what this really means. Do I really know what it means to be loved by Jesus? And do I really believe this to be true when I am feeling unworthy, unlovable, and plain ugly? What does it look like to love like He does?
For those who have not grown up in church or do not believe as I do, know that no matter what you believe, Jesus loves you, with a love greater than what you could ever think or imagine.
Hold on to the end, that’s what I intend to do
I’m hopelessly devoted to you
