In South Africa I had the privilege of meeting Pastor Wilson, a man full of faith and desire for the Lord’s will. He shared his testimony with us and how obedience led him to a true, long-lasting relationship with God. Giving up the stability he seemed to have, He followed the Lord’s invitation to walk the road less travelled. He quit his job with risk of losing his home and he began to preach to the least of these, the rebels, the criminals, and the addicts in dangerous communities in Uganda. Although nervousness and uncertainty crossed his mind, the Spirit of the Lord gave him the boldness that he needed to preach the gospel in the hardest places.
What happened next is what happens when God moves, and love prevails.
Rather than being judgmental of others and the sins they are experiencing, Pastor Wilson chose to love. How do you love those who the world deems unlovable? By being practical.
He began to care for them, providing them with their practical needs. Maybe he’ll bring them food or clothing. Maybe he’ll just talk to them about life, sports, or their favorite food. Maybe he’ll just give them a handshake when no one else would even think of touching them. Maybe he’ll just seek out their friendship in order to bring genuine fellowship to them.
Often, we think love has to be extravagant and filled with “fluff.” Love is simpler than we think. Isn’t that how Jesus came to us? He does miraculous things because He’s a miraculous being. But in the heart of it, he loves us with truth, sincere actions, sacrificial giving, and fellowship. He doesn’t sugar coat His love for us. He walks the walk and talks the talk. Nothing is ever done in vain or selfish ambition. His reason for His love is to give us the opportunity to have true communion with God.
In Mark 12, Jesus is asked by teachers of religious law, “What is the most important commandment?” He responded, “To love God with all your heart, with all your soul, all your mind, and all your understanding. AND you must love your neighbor as you love yourself.”
It seems simple enough. But, when you think of the vastness of giving your ALL to loving God, your neighbors, and yourself its overwhelming. How can you possibly give your ALL. But, Christ gave his all. And, if as believers we are to be imitators of Christ then we must try to love like He loves.
In my own strength this would be impossible. But then this is when communion with Christ is vital. If I can’t do it on my own, then it means that I MUST have God with me. And, if I have God with me then I can love others like Him. If as believers, we show our love to God through worship. Then obedience is the highest form of worship. I must obey His commands when He tells me to show practical love.
My squad mentor Grace gave me two crocheted crosses in the DR. I was asked to give them away to people that the Lord leads me to as a reminder of Christ and His sacrificial love for us.
I gave my first one away to a woman named Florda in Haiti. She believed in the Lord but did not go to church because she was poor and did not have appropriate clothing for church. “Blessed are the poor for they will inherit the Kingdom of God” (Matthew 5:3). I didn’t have any money to give her or extra clothing on my body to offer her. But, at that moment God told me to give her the cross I had in my fanny pack. What Jesus did on the cross is love and connects people to the Kingdom of God. He is enough.
I gave away the second one here in South Africa to a woman named Gloria. She works at Ithemba, a school that I tutor in during the afternoons. I was immediately drawn to her soul. Rather than rushing into my classroom to tutor, God told me to fellowship with her first. So, I began to wash dishes with her and talk with her. I was able to learn why she was so joyful. She’s been following the will of God for her life.
When her brother passed away last week we already had a connection. She was able to be vulnerable with me. We hugged each other and cried. I gave her the cross as a reminder of the Glory that awaits all who believe. What Jesus did on the cross is love and connects us together as sister’s in Christ. He is enough.
Love is practical. We don’t have to over-spiritualize it. When there’s a need, obey and give. When there’s suffering, stop and give comfort. When there’s mourning, open your heart and mourn too. It’s obedience in simple moments that move us to show love to people. And where there is love, there is Jesus.
