The Lord has been speaking to me this: It is all about the Sacrifice.
The Royal Law says love your brother as yourself. This is sacrificial love. It is the kind of love that says yes when a person has a need. The kind of love that says yes even when it seems impossible to meet the need. It is taking it one step at a time and in faith just walking forward..not knowing how it will ever work out. It is the kind of love that when you are so tired you are pretty sure you are going to collapse, but you keep on going and He strengthens you as you continue. It is the kind of love that says, I will waste my life, I will use myself up..no holding back. I will lay down my life for my brothers and sisters.
Here is what it is not: It is not just helping those we consider to be deserving of our help. Even though I didn't deserve anything, he sacrificed Himself for me. It is not expecting anything in return..no strings attached at all.
There is a baby in my house, a little 8 month old. I got a text message, will you take him? Yes, I said simply. She could no longer take care of him. Yes. So we made bottles, changed diapers and rocked. Precious little one. It had been a very long time since mine were small. Then a few days later, another text: can I come too? Would that be too much? Of course you can. Please come we will work it out. There was no electricity any more, the bill had not been paid..The baby's father had stolen her car with her purse. She had nothing. She had been very ill....yes. come.
I did not know how this would work. I have a full time job. We have little extra. I already am caring for my sister's dogs. But little by little He is meeting the need..giving me just enough strength so I can love, like He loves..he is gently showing me that it IS possible. Walking by faith. Showing mercy rather than judgment. Love is all about the Sacrifice.
