I will identify, for anyone who is interested, that one of my spiritual gifts is LOVE - Agape love. Over the weekend though I was challenged by the Holy Spirit to evaluate where I have fallen short in loving people.
This post is not to point out shortcomings in anyone; it's a reminder for me.
Perhaps you are able to identify with me on the need to evaluate/re-evaluate the function of love in your life; feel free to connect with me about it. I'd love to hear from you - we can encourage one another to love better; to love like Jesus.
It would have probably been very easy for Jesus to hang out with people that lived righteously, followed the Torah and attended Temple every Sabbath, lived innocent lives never having made a poor choice, or transgressed the law in a deliberate attempt to self-medicate hurts, loneliness, anger or loss. I'm sure from the instant He reached the age of accountability, He could have walked out of his home and found life easier not needing to deal with the shortcomings of his parents and siblings.
Even as an adult, Jesus chose 12 imperfect men from varied backgrounds to be his closest companions. How is it possible to make such unguarded yet deliberate choices in relationship? It comes from an intense, passionate relationship with Abba Father - the great Jehovah! Living to impact humanity, at the risk of reputation, rather than comfort self.
Every miracle, every interaction, every temptation/trial we see recorded in history proves the level of importance of humanity to Him. He was either ministering to people, teaching them, or going through something himself that He would use as an example for us to follow.
Jesus - the defender of the broken/poor/mistreated.
Jesus - a challenger to the wealthy/prominent/popular.
Wonder why so many "Christ-followers" have this backwards?
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