“Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in
deed and in truth.” 1 John 3:18
My ever-inquisitive
son David asked me, “Momma, what’s a force field?” I explained to him in my best
pseudo-Trekkie way that it’s an invisible electric wall to keep people or
things from going in…or going out. While saying this, I had an image of Mr.
Spock raising his hands to a door opening only to realize painfully (dramatized
by very
special effects and great acting) that he couldn’t leave the room he was confined
to.
I grew up a
very poor, clunky-looking, short kid. Any one of those three descriptors would
have put a “pick on me” sign on my back, but sporting the trio of troublesome
issues? Yeah, it was bad. I did what a lot of people do as a result: I put up an
invisible force field to protect my fragile, little heart. I say invisible
because to most people I seemed outgoing and downright friendly. However, I was
quick to criticize and lash out with arsenic-laced words that would put folks
in their place if I sensed impending harm to me.
Jesus showed
me that force field was not just keeping people from reaching my heart; it was
keeping the love poured into my heart by Him from flowing out purely. He
revealed a chasm between my self-protective tendencies and His fierce pursuit
of people’s hearts. I longed to please
Him, but I knew the only way I could do that is to love the way He loves…genuinely
and fearlessly. So I prayed an honest prayer from the depths of my soul:
“Jesus, help me love like you do.”
Because of Jesus,
I have shifted from shielding my own heart with sharp words and a careless
attitude. Because of Jesus, I give my
heart freely because He’s given His so freely to me.
Because of Jesus, I love.
How is your life different now because of Jesus? Leave a comment below telling how He's made a difference in your life (Click "Comments"). Also, I encourage you to read the weekly installments to Jennifer's inspiring series at http://jennspiration.wordpress.com.
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Erin Patrick · 699 weeks ago
Jesus IS the difference in my life. I now look at others through His eyes and my love for people has shifted dramatically. Now I just need to learn to look at MYSELF through His eyes!
Thanks for being so vulnerable here and sharing with us!
Blessings,
~Erin
Vicki Parsons · 699 weeks ago
This is beautiful! Having been the uncoordinated slightly chubby kid in school who was the last to be picked for any and every team, I know a little something about that force field. Jesus has dealt with me in this area as well and I now see others with an attempt at grace that I could only know because of the grace that He has shown me. You are such a blessing dear one!
Vicki
Tami Heim · 699 weeks ago
Because of Jesus - your life blesses mine.
Wow. Love you BIG.
T. /
Cherie Daniel · 698 weeks ago