John 19:30
“When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”
This week I had a conversation with a younger coworker that provoked thought, the conversation morphed into one about who would you save if you could only save one person. What if Jesus thought like that, I deliberated internally? What if Jesus put us into categories, worthy or unworthy? Who would make it, what would be the criteria? What if he put stipulations on which ones could receive the gift of salvation? I am so happy, aren’t you that Jesus died for all and not just a chosen few, and that the gift of salvation is extended to all. Not only did He die to give us this amazing gift, but He also gave us all one common mission as stated in Matthew 28: 19 “ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. His love for us is so massively beautiful that he provided for us a road map through the bible. One of those directional commands is outlined in Matthew 22: 36-40 states “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the law? Jesus replied; Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Laws and Prophets hand on these two commandments.” It seems clear that some of the petty things that bother us about each other are not as important when we understand our joint purpose. Be honest with yourself about what you are feeling, to avoid some of the pitfalls of life such as fear, living by feelings, shame and guilt. Allow the Holy Spirit to be your GPS and lead you down a clear path. In doing so here are a few suggestions:
a. Be patient with yourself and allow yourself to fail because you will.
b. Forgive yourself quickly and frequently so you can move on to the task and purpose at hand.
c. Don’t assume because someone is in your life for a season they will be there for a lifetime.
d. Understand that loving someone does not mean staying or allowing yourself to be treated badly. 1 Corinthians 3-6 “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.” You may only be there to plant, or water; remember only God can give growth.
We are living in times when it is so critical that we continue to pray for each other.
Dear Lord, we are asking you to continually, search our hearts to keep our GPS in tune with your will Amen.