Courageous Love

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

ME: Jesus, I know what I want for Christmas this year but it is hard to explain to the gift givers around me. There is no store that carries it and Amazon can’t deliver this one.

JESUS: Do you want me to guess?

ME: No, because You already know what I’m thinking. Besides, I have a feeling that this gift has to come from You. I am not even sure what to call it so I’m just gonna make up a name and call it courageous love.

JESUS: Have you thought about what you are asking for? This is not an easy path to follow, in fact it can be extremely lonely and difficult.

ME: I have thought about that and I am willing to at least try it. There may be some who don’t understand me, who will laugh at me and make fun of me. There have been those in my life already and I survived.

JESUS: But you are asking for the strength to truly love those who are abusive, careless and quite rude. This means you can’t even think of some of the silly or rude comebacks you’d like to say (when the Holy Spirit has buttoned your lips).

ME: Jesus, I am so quick to judge people and think the worst of them when they don’t deserve it. I’ve been considering this and I am convinced that it takes courage to love others.  Am I right?

JESUS: Of course, you are correct. I am the living example of courageous love. Even as an infant Herod hated me but I was saved. Should this truly be what you want, know that there will be great loneliness, rumors, and gossip. Tell me why you want this gift.

ME: I am so tired of people being mean to one another. To me, there does not seem to be much love – even during this season of celebration.

JESUS: Precious child, your desire to have courageous love makes my heart smile but it is an overwhelming gift for you.

ME: Wait…You mean You won’t let me have it.

JESUS: No, there is another path I have already chosen for you.

ME: (Sighing…) Ok, what is it?

JESUS: You have a very distinct talent and people can see how much you love Me and My Word. You don’t need to rock this boat!

ME: But I want people to feel loved and to have joy and peace.

JESUS: Then be courageous and just keep sharing!