It's a cold day. Wrapped up warm, ready for bed, I was thinking about what my plans are for tomorrow. There's a lot of following-up to do from today, and the thought of the work waiting for me tomorrow almost sends me to sleep an hour before my scheduled bedtime.
But I regularly do some reading before bed, and today, I have come across an article by Jon Bloom on Desiring God. It is about Robert Chapman, a relatively unknown leader, however, one of great reputation. His legacy of love was outstanding and Charles Spurgeon referred to him as the saintliest man he ever knew.
So what does this have to do with being cold? I looked at my life after I read of his. I realised that although my intentions are to love like Jesus commanded (John 13:34), I seldom go out of my way for others. Rarely do I choose the interests of others before mine (Philippians 2;4). Slowly, in harsh conditions, the heart becomes a cold heart of stone.
Age and experience have bred cynicism; heartbreak and disappointment have reared distrust and selfishness. "One must look out for their own needs, 'cos it's a dog-eat-dog world out here!" This is society's common rhetoric and slowly it takes root into the hearts of those who want to love and love well: Thoroughly, Deeply, Sacrificially, just as Christ has commanded.
So where can I go from here, I ask myself? Well, I start by asking the Holy Spirit for help. Love is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22). I also need to read the Word to follow Christ's model, imitating Him (Eph 5:1-2), And then I ask for prayer, that my heart may be healed becoming a sensitive, feeling, tender heart. I believe the prayer of those who have been made righteous in Christ is powerful (James 5:16).
I must believe that God is working in me, not just in my willing to love sacrificially, but in performing great acts of love-- these outward actions being a result of the warmth of His love thawing the cold within.
Thanking you for your prayers,
FeyVored
Photo credit: Photos by FeyVored
Thank you for this Feyi
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