Love Like Jesus

Jesus modeled God’s true heart–love for the least, the last, the lost, the forgotten, the invisible. When we love people we love God. ~Kathy Escobar

How was Jesus able to love with such poise and certainty? The gospels share no hint that he hesitated, queasy with fear when he reached to touch the unlovely or alone. We don’t hear him longing for more vacation days, or a fantasy life surrounded by only low-maintenance buddies.

Jesus seemed eager for contact with the otherwise avoided, responding to the most tentative approach. Why such confidence? He knew the weight of heaven was behind him.

When we love in the name of Jesus, the full weight of heaven is behind us too–we just don’t see it. We look at our small cup of water, flickering candle, and battered broom and walk with trepidation into the pain.  Only the eyes of faith reveal that we

• pour water on dry despair with an ocean at our back,
• shine words of wisdom with a galaxy of suns behind us,
• sweep away discouragement with hurricane-force provision.

The power is not of us, the transforming work is not of us. We fly, but not with our own wings; we bring hope that originates in another; we speak life-changing words we did not supply. We contribute the heart, will and permission to be used.

Love has our back

Just one time Jesus shrugged off the weight of heaven. On the cross he bore our helplessness so we could know his power. His reminder when it was accomplished? You will love with more than your small effort. Remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

How are you being called to love in Jesus’ name? Do you know you never go alone?

Photograph of my daughter, Kimberly, loving and being loved by children near Mexicali, Mexico.