Running From The HeartSample

To Love is to be Vulnerable 

Be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32, NKJV)

On her 21st birthday, Rebecca received a beautiful gift of pearls. She loved them so very much, not only because they were beautiful but also because they had been given to her by her Dad. A pearl is formed after an oyster opens up and a grain of sand embeds itself, and becomes uncomfortable inside its shell. The oyster embraces the object by covering it with many translucent layers. Over time a beautiful pearl is formed.

C.S. Lewis quotes are written throughout Rebecca’s journals. 

“Jesus is the pearl of great price.” 

“We are not necessarily doubting that God
 will do the best for us; we are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be.” C.S. Lewis. I saw this and it made me cry.’


To love is to risk EVERYTHING.


I’d rather love and risk than never feel. If
 I guarded my heart forever and never let another person in, it would be a dead life. Love is a choice.


Love is surrender.


Love is a fight.


I choose to love because love is FREEDOM.” 

In her vulnerability, Rebecca found God’s grace in new and deeper ways. She discovered a new freedom, praying and asking God to use her broken heart for His glory. God developed in her a tender heart that reached out and touched many people. She wrote, “No attack, no pearl.”

Selah

As God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (Colossians 3:12-13) 

God has created us to receive His love and to love Him in return and to love others. Because you have received God’s love, you can be vulnerable as you love. 

What is stopping you from being vulnerable in your love? 

Passing the Baton: 

Be vulnerable as you love and allow God to form in you a tender heart. 

Prayer: 

Heavenly Father, please help me to love other people even though it will make me vulnerable. And when people hurt me, help me to forgive them and to allow your love to heal my heart. Amen.