Jesus didn’t ask us to love others. He commanded it. Lord, why is it so hard to do? Even with those we love the most, there are times when we’re just not feeling it! And how are we supposed to love those who persecute us or persecute others? How do we love people who mistreat animals? Or other human beings? Look at what’s happening in our world right now. It’s too much to ask. But He’s not asking.
My heart is aching and my tears are flowing right now as I pray for Him to help me see others – all others – through the lens of His forgiving love. Remembering my own sins and reflecting on His forgiveness and unconditional love for me, despite those sins and my own selfish desires, helps me begin to fathom the depth of the love He has for me – and for you – and for all of us – and to remember to try to seek His face in the faces of those I find most difficult to love.
Lord Jesus, give us new and transformed eyes to see and respond to others through the lens of your redeeming love. Amen.
– Cissy Bowden, EFM Alumna
Thanks for that beautiful prayer……”transformed eyes to see”.
Lovely words, if only we could live by that thought and rule what a happier world this would be. Thankyou for those thoughts, and words.Janet Austin.
“It’s too much to ask. But He’s not asking. “
This says it all for me. The world is broken. We are broken. The problems are too hard, and the need is always too great. It is overwhelming to live in this world sometimes. But while we are here, for this brief time, Jesus is not politely asking that we heal the sick, feed the hungry, and love our neighbors as ourselves. He commands us to be his eyes and ears, his feet on the ground, and his hands on those who need us.
It’s all too hard, until we stop, look, and listen. Then it is all too clear what He wants us to do. We simply have to let go and do it.
One starfish at a time…
Thank you Cissy