Preach the gospel at all times, when necessary use words.
-St Francis of Assisi
I love the quote above so much because it is a great summary of what living like Christ is all about. My life as a Christian should be based on my actions first and foremost and if need be I can back up my love for Christ with words.
I recently began reading the Gospels again and studying on things that I do not normally associate with the arrest, trial, persecution, and death of Jesus.
The past two months God has been teaching me to be his vessel…to speak only when necessary, and to really use my actions of love to show his people (in the Dominican, Haiti and now Romania) that my love for them comes from Christ.
I know you are wondering how this ties into Jesus and his trials…here's how…
If you begin reading in John 19: 8..Jesus is being sentenced to be crucified. He is before Pilate and Jesus is being asked a serious of questions…in which most he chooses to ignore. Finally Pilate says "Do you refuse to speak to me? Don't you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?" The only times Jesus ever opens his mouth is to confirm what the prophesy has already said…he chooses his words wisely and (I can imagine his tone as well).
Jesus' actions are humbling…confirming…and louder than words.
I have been in situations in my life..even on the World Race..where I felt the need to defend myself…somehow change the situation…or fight back..but can you imagine sitting before a man of power, who could save your life and yet you speak only to glorify God..you don't speak to save your own life..you don't speak to prove your innocence..you speak to glorify GOD!
The Lord is teaching me to choose my words wisely…to make my actions praise him and to finally rely on him…God has things planned out to the ends of time.
The picture below is of me and a little boy Yuli who is from one of the poor families here in Draganesti Olt. He desires attention and love that he may not otherwise receive at home. He slowly would put his hand on my knee..and quietly look up to make sure this was okay…then slowly and awkwardly put his head on my shoulder…but then again check to see if I was okay with this.
I wanted to say a lot to Yuli but the fact I speak very little Romanian other than a few words..makes this very hard…the only thing I could do was hold his hand and smile as much as I could. He knew I was there to just love on him and show him affection.
THEY WILL KNOW US BY OUR LOVE.
