18 May, 2011
A Stranger's Love
Years ago, somewhere in Oklahoma City, my friend Matt was walking and noticed a homeless man just up the road. Although the man was on the opposite side of the street, he was right in the path of where Matt needed to go. Matt began strategizing how and when he could cross the street so as to avoid any kind of encounter with the man, yet somehow his plan failed and the two came face-to-face, awkwardly, in the middle of the street.
Standing just a couple feet apart, Matt could smell the stentch of someone who hadn't seen a shower in quite some time, and he couldn't help but notice the old food particles entangled in the man's overgrown beard. Carrying nothing but a small cup of McDonald's coffee, the man looked up at Matt, smiled, extended his hand, and offered Matt a sip.
Matt was completely caught off guard by the strange offer and his mind raced as he tried to figure out how to respond, without offending the man. Afterall, here is a man, a homeless stranger, offering to share the only thing he has to his name. On the other hand, there is no telling what kind of sickness or disease he could be carrying, either. Everything inside screamed "run away!" but something else was telling him to drink it. Slowly and hesitantly, Matt reached for the steaming cup of Joe and he took a sip. He then handed the cup back and, curious, asked the gentleman why he'd asked Matt to drink it in the first place. His response nearly knocked Matt on his knees.
"The coffee is particularly good today and I believe that when God gives us something good, we shoud share it." Matt was completely blown away and immediately humbled. Here he was, judging and trying to find ways to avoid this man and all he wanted was to bless him. Swallowing his pride, Matt, near tears, expressed his gratitude. He thanked the man for all he'd given him in that moment and then asked if there was anything he could give the man in return. He smiled and asked for a hug. This time, without hesitation, Matt stepped forward and fully embraced the precious man who'd quickly become his brother.
(Picture is not the actual homeless man in the story. Image courtesy of Google Images)
1 John 3:16-20, 23-24
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with worlds or tongue but with actions and in truth. This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. Those who obey his commands live in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us.
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about loving others?
Jesus Christ is our best and greatest example of Love. If the way he lived his life didn't teach us anything about loving others, the way he died certainly did! Christ's love never discriminated against anyone, over and over again, scriptures tell us all the ways Christ showed his love best to those whom others thought nothing of. God is commanding us to actively love all people, especially those who are lacking and seem to need it the most. Loving others is not an option, it's a command. It's intentional and it's active.
How can I connect today's story and God's Story scripture to my life?
How many times have you found yourself judging prematurely, avoiding awkward situations, and approaching life with arrogance and pride? Is this a regular occurance for you? Do you find yourself avoiding certain people in class, near your locker, or on the bus because you don't want to deal with them? Ask God to search your heart and reveal to you ways that you have been prideful and/or have been lacking in love for others. Pray that God would give you a deeper love for Him and for others. Look for ways to challenge your faith and grow your love for both.
How can I connect today's God's Story scripture and my story to others?
- Take a minute to look up and read Luke 6:32-36
- Pray for God to reveal to you those people in your life to whom you need to do a better job showing love.
- Be intentional - make it your goal to find a way to show someone love each day (someone who is naturally tough for you to love). It may be something as simple as a smile, a hug, or an anonymous note, or it may be something more challenging and involved. Whatever you do, allow the Holy Spirit to lead you and make the choice to be obedient when it does.
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