How many times have we been hampered in relationships with others, waiting for them to respond in some way, only to later discover they were waiting for us? That’s what one father came to realize when his children attended our Children’s Bible School during their summer vacation. He had been waiting for them to show him respect, and they had been longing for him to show them affection. When the children’s lives were impacted with the Love of Christ, the emotional logjam was broken, and relationships began to be healed.
Sometimes we may experience this in our own relationships. Instead of waiting for the other person, why don’t you reach out and take the first step toward reconciliation? Regardless of who is right and who is wrong, “love covers a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8) Peter, the hot-tempered, headstrong apostle knew this very well. He thought he was never going to deny Jesus, yet in the heat of the moment, he did, not just once, but three times. The love of Jesus covered Peter’s sin of denial.
In this day when much of society is polarized, those of us who believe the Bible is the Word of God may tend to use it as a hammer against society around us. While the Bible is clear about God’s position on many things that trouble our society, there are many people who don’t hold that view. Without relaxing our personal convictions, let’s purpose in our hearts to reach out
to them with the Love of Christ, because “the kindness of God leads [them] to repentance.” (Romans 2:4)
Sometimes this same situation occurs in our relationship with God. He has given us “everything pertaining to life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3) and yet there we sit, waiting for Him to give us something He has already given us. Our life becomes a stalemate. He has already taken the first step. Let’s respond by thanking Him and expecting to see His provision in our lives. That’s what our Bible School teachers did, and the results were amazing – over 14,000 children impacted with the Gospel!
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)
Blessings in the Wonderful Name of Jesus,
Thomas