I read of a halfway house for men released from prison where they could stay
until they got a job and somewhere to live. One young man had been in a penal
institution for most of his adult life. One day as he sat in the lounge the
three-year-old daughter of the couple who ran the shelter crawled up onto his
lap, put her arms around his neck and gave him a hug.
With tears running down his cheeks he said, “This is the first time I can
remember anyone touching me in love.” A few weeks later he gave his life to
Jesus Christ. God used that unique communication of physical contact and love to
break the scars of all those years.
This is what sets us apart from the animal kingdom. Most creatures will show a
love to their own but beyond that a territorial attitude usually prevents that
same love being shown to others. Because our love comes from God we can, if we
so choose, reach out to others and receive from others. Some choose not to do so
and they are the losers by it.
This then, is the answer to the problems of the world - “Thou shall love the
Lord thy God and love thy neighbour as thyself.” That teaching isn’t dated, it’s
absolutely relevant today. If we love God with all our heart we will have the
capacity to understand and love our neighbours. True love will find an outlet in
service - not by merely attending church or even in prayer - but in trying our
utmost to prove our love by obeying the will of God.
I once had to counsel a young married couple. All reason had failed. Finally, I
asked them to promise that each day for a week they would read together 1
Corinthians chapter 13. Their marriage was restored and they have gone from
strength to strength. We must never underestimate the authority of God, the
power of His Word and that unique ability granted by grace to us all to to give
and receive love. Reach out today.
Thanks to Ron Clarke w4w@keypoint.com.au
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
messages. HTML and plain text versions available.
The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.