Showing Love and Acceptance

You may know that my husband passed away a few weeks ago. It has been a crazy time with so much busyness and running around. But the Lord has been with us and has helped us. 

Because of his death, my step-daughter and her family came to stay with us so they could come to the funeral. She has 2 grandchildren, my great-grandchildren, and it was the first time I had met them.

The little boy just amazed me. He was so friendly, loving and just accepted me and my son without any conditions. At one time he was watching something on his phone. He pulled his blanket next to John, then he made himself at home. 

As I looked at this, I thought it was so beautiful. He was just naturally flowing in love to him. Another time, when we were walking at a shopping mall, he grabbed both of our hands and walked with us. 

How it Should Be

Flowing in love and not judging people is the way we should be in the Body of Christ. But the sad reality is that it is often nothing like this. Last year we had a Pastoral Conference. The one thing my husband stressed in each of the 5 sessions we had, was that the Body of Christ needs to flow in love in whatever it does. 

The trouble is people have experienced hurts, rejections and many other things. As a result of this, they are often defensive and judgmental. They keep their heart closed and keep other believers at a distance, in case they get hurt again. 

Pastors sometimes also have trouble flowing in love. I have seen some who in fact are more like a sergeant in the army. They dictate and command their flock and show no compassion at all. 

If only we could flow in love and accept one another like my little great-grandson did. How beautiful and powerful the Body of Christ would be. And I daresay they would draw people in like the early disciples did in Acts. 

So here is a challenge for you. Are you loving one another as the Lord Jesus commanded? If you are finding it hard, there is only one thing to do. Ask the Lord to love each person you come across through you. 

You see, you cannot do it in your own strength or by gritting your teeth. But the Lord Jesus can pour His love into you, and soon you will find yourself being a light that attracts the hurting to you. 

Many blessings to you.