I read these words: 1 John 4:16 "And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them." What? I do not know this love. I do not understand.
Tired, yet alive.
The Fight, this life, is so much harder than I thought it would be. I trained, set my mind for persecution. Prepared to be cut down, laughed at, ridiculed. I was even ready to die. But my place in life is so much harder than that.
Weary, yet pushing on.
Faith, Hope, and Love was preached into my bloodstream. It is my way of life. When doubts overruled my faith it would be restored with a single glance at me from my God. When I lost hope and my days were filled with despair over mankind, the Son would shine through again. But Love, in all its complex simplicity and power, was so beyond me. But I was promised a mustard seed of Love that rapidly grew until it overwhelmed me and I drowned. And lived again. And I understood: Love is stronger than light energy - infiltrating deepest space and every crevice of my soul.
Empty, yet full.
I was picked up, set on my feet, and told I would learn of Love's power. Told that the eyes of my soul would be opened to colors unseen. Told that my ears would burn with the songs and screams unheard. Told that I would touch the immaterial. Told that my heart could not withstand the strain of experiencing the purity of God's wrath at the same time of the purity of the forgiving fire. And I understood: Love is the force behind creation.
Poured out, still flowing.
I was pulled out of the dirt. Every single flaw, mistake, problem, and sin I ever did and do lit up like a neon sign. I was told that I had betrayed the Lover of Souls. And condemned. Then Someone took my place on death row. I was set free. And I understood: Love is sacrifice.
Used up, still strong.
I was shown my gifts and talents. Shown the silver lines in the dark tapestry of my life and told to look for it in everyone else. I was shown that beauty resides inside each and every soul, just waiting to be awoken by Love. And I understood: Love is guiding.
Worn out, still going.
I was given passion for my fellow human beings. I was given compassion and care in abundance. And in my desire to give I sought, and still seek, to put aside every moment to selfishness in my life. Still I stumble, but I turn to the Selfless One who died for me and humble myself and ask for forgiveness and to be made stronger still. And I understood: Love sustains.
Stretched out to the limit, still have slack to give.
And in reply I was given a new heart that beats for all people, singing for the voiceless and dancing for those who cannot walk. But I turn and see the shadows. I look around and see the despair and hatred in the eyes of those around me. My heart burns for them. I weep over their wandering blindly, refusing to see what is within their reach, just aching to change them into something so amazing. I declare that I will be like a stone on the pavement that cries out when the people fall silent in the glory of God.
Real love feels like pain but still giving.
Real love feels like blood pouring down your hands from inflicted wounds and you still forgive.
Real love feels like aching for someone to become to much more than they are, knowing the potential they are missing out on.
Real love is letting who you love take every bit of your soul, who you are, just to prove how much you love.
Real love is spending every moment begging for others to receive the same never-ending joy and power.
And I understood: Love is the greatest power of God. That is what the verse means.
Tired, yet alive.
The Fight, this life, is so much harder than I thought it would be. I trained, set my mind for persecution. Prepared to be cut down, laughed at, ridiculed. I was even ready to die. But my place in life is so much harder than that.
Weary, yet pushing on.
Faith, Hope, and Love was preached into my bloodstream. It is my way of life. When doubts overruled my faith it would be restored with a single glance at me from my God. When I lost hope and my days were filled with despair over mankind, the Son would shine through again. But Love, in all its complex simplicity and power, was so beyond me. But I was promised a mustard seed of Love that rapidly grew until it overwhelmed me and I drowned. And lived again. And I understood: Love is stronger than light energy - infiltrating deepest space and every crevice of my soul.
Empty, yet full.
I was picked up, set on my feet, and told I would learn of Love's power. Told that the eyes of my soul would be opened to colors unseen. Told that my ears would burn with the songs and screams unheard. Told that I would touch the immaterial. Told that my heart could not withstand the strain of experiencing the purity of God's wrath at the same time of the purity of the forgiving fire. And I understood: Love is the force behind creation.
Poured out, still flowing.
I was pulled out of the dirt. Every single flaw, mistake, problem, and sin I ever did and do lit up like a neon sign. I was told that I had betrayed the Lover of Souls. And condemned. Then Someone took my place on death row. I was set free. And I understood: Love is sacrifice.
Used up, still strong.
I was shown my gifts and talents. Shown the silver lines in the dark tapestry of my life and told to look for it in everyone else. I was shown that beauty resides inside each and every soul, just waiting to be awoken by Love. And I understood: Love is guiding.
Worn out, still going.
I was given passion for my fellow human beings. I was given compassion and care in abundance. And in my desire to give I sought, and still seek, to put aside every moment to selfishness in my life. Still I stumble, but I turn to the Selfless One who died for me and humble myself and ask for forgiveness and to be made stronger still. And I understood: Love sustains.
Stretched out to the limit, still have slack to give.
And in reply I was given a new heart that beats for all people, singing for the voiceless and dancing for those who cannot walk. But I turn and see the shadows. I look around and see the despair and hatred in the eyes of those around me. My heart burns for them. I weep over their wandering blindly, refusing to see what is within their reach, just aching to change them into something so amazing. I declare that I will be like a stone on the pavement that cries out when the people fall silent in the glory of God.
Real love feels like pain but still giving.
Real love feels like blood pouring down your hands from inflicted wounds and you still forgive.
Real love feels like aching for someone to become to much more than they are, knowing the potential they are missing out on.
Real love is letting who you love take every bit of your soul, who you are, just to prove how much you love.
Real love is spending every moment begging for others to receive the same never-ending joy and power.
And I understood: Love is the greatest power of God. That is what the verse means.
No comments:
Post a Comment