Monday, July 22, 2013

For Love, the Cure

As it is written, "He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it." (Matthew 10:39)
Doing anything for Jesus Christ or for His sake is to, " . . . love one another. . ." (John 13:34) and so when we lose our life for His sake it is meant that we are to lose our lives in the service of others.
Whenever you are hurt emotionally there is great temptation to withdraw and focus inward; a natural reaction yet debilitating and potentially destructive. The problem is that emotional pain comes when love meets no return. As you withdraw and build walls to insulate from the pain you also barricade yourself against the cure.
In turning outward and seeking to help another we are giving love and in return we will be loved, either by our Father in Heaven or by those we help. In loving and being loved we are cured of our emotional wounds. This process never starts until the individual decides to try.
There is real risk in giving to someone who seemingly has nothing to give you or potentially has nothing by which you can benefit. But this is a lie. All who live are capable of love. It is within each of us as children of God and should be if all were commanded to give it.
With prayer any of us can begin to heal from emotional pain by seeking that person who today needs our love.
And think how much stronger, happier, and pleased will you be when it wasn't you who waited for help but instead sought and helped another.

Stript, wounded, beaten nigh to death,
I found him by the highway side.
I roused his pulse, brought back his breath,
Revived his spirit, and supplied
Wine, oil, refreshment--he was healed.
I had myself a wound concealed,
But from that hour forgot the smart,
And peace bound up my broken heart.

2 comments:

  1. So true and beautifully put. Thanks, Chris, for sharing your thoughts. :)

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