We’ve learned a phrase on the mission field that has been invaluable: “I love you with the love of the Lord.” When other people break our human ability to love them – however it might occur – there’s still a way to be successful: do it through the love of Jesus.
(Philippians 4:13 NKJV) I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (I John 4:19 NKJV) We love Him because He first loved us.
There are some people that I can only love *through* the love of Jesus, yet I can look them in the eye and say “I love you” – and mean it – because I’m leaning on (and into) His love for them.
(II Peter 3:9 NKJV) The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9 GW) The Lord isn’t slow to do what he promised, as some people think. Rather, he is patient for your sake. He doesn’t want to destroy anyone but wants all people to have an opportunity to turn to him and change the way they think and act.
Lean into Jesus’ love today. Believe in it. Show it. Use it. The world needs you to do so.