Perfectly Perfect

What do you imagine your final words will be to those you love? When we think about the Cross and what it means, there are no words more beautiful and peace-giving than Jesus’: It is finished. To everyone around Him, it looked as though Jesus’ mission had failed. Whatever plan He had would not come to fruition. But He knew the truth—tetelestai. God’s plan was being made “perfectly perfect,” “completely complete.”

Does this mean that we now get to sit back and relax as all the work has been done for us? It’s true that the work of our salvation has been completed with Jesus’ death and resurrection. We must simply respond to and accept His invitation. But knowing Him changes us. And so there is work to be done. Jesus told His disciples to “go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation” (Mark 16:15). He calls us to serve others just as He served. And when all else fails and we’re just not sure what to do, He tells us, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35).

The wonderful truth is that He doesn’t leave us to do this alone! As we are being made “perfectly perfect” in Him, He has given us a Helper to be with us forever. There are many days when we just don’t feel like loving the person who gets on our nerves. When we’re too busy with our to-do list to serve our neighbor or check on a friend who is struggling. But the Holy Spirit helps us. When we’re open to His prompting, He gives us extra patience with others, or convicts us to recognize a need and set aside our own agenda to help someone or offer a listening ear. By loving and serving others, we have an opportunity to point them to Jesus.

Pray

Lord, thank You for sending the Holy Spirit to help me. Please guide me to those who need You. Help me know how to serve and love others around me today. In Jesus’ name, amen.