THE LOVE-GIVER

 

One thing I know to be true, for my heart bears the marks: Love has the power to hurt and love has the power to heal. I know the joy of being embraced and accepted by a husband who prays for me, protects me, kisses me and ignores my bad moods. But, I also  know the pain of being betrayed by a friend and misused by a family member. A Love-giver learns it is the challenges that come with relationships that will take you out of the shallows and into the deep where Love-givers are birthed and forged with strength and endurance.

Jesus was the first Love-giver. He came in the flesh and felt the joy and closeness of fellowship as well as the pain of betrayal and abandonment. No matter what the outcome, he continued to give love. The beloved twelve who walked with him, vowed devotion and loyalty, but their love had not yet been perfected. It took the ribbons of red blood spilling from the Love-giver’s side and the words of forgiveness spoken with his dying breath that changed the twelve from selfish to selfless.

And now, Jesus has made a way for you to become a Love-giver, accepting the good with the bad and allowing forgiveness to transform your pain into power. Some will imagine that your life has been easy, almost perfect. But there will come a time when you will tell your story. You will reach out and touch a desperate hand and speak with gentle authority. “Listen honey, you hang in there. Everything is going to be all right. Jesus is taking you into the deep, to perfect you, and make you a Love-giver.”

Terri McFaddin-Solomon 2021

 

YOU CAN KNOW A LOVE-GIVER BY 3 CHARACTERISTICS:

 

1. The Love-giver passionately loves God first.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, your soul and

with all your mind. (Matthew 22:37)

 

2. The Love-giver is always concerned about others.

But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came to the wounded man;

and took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged

his wounds, pouring on oil and wine.  (Luke 10:34-35) 

 

3. The Love-giver is a master of forgiveness.

“Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister

who sins against me? Up to seven times?”Jesus answered,

"I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times."

(Matthew 18:21-23)

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PRAYER:

Dear Lord, there are so many people in need of love. Show me how to be a Love-giver to the angry, the hurting, the lonely, the needy and the lost.

Fill me with the spirit of patience and forgiveness even when I am the one who is hurt and wounded. Remind me Lord, to show appreciation to the Love-givers who have touched my life and turned my sadness to joy. As I strive to be a better

Love-giver let me experience the blessing of seeing those who were imprisoned by fear and hate, break free to love again. In the name of Jesus I pray, AMEN.

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