Day 17 | Compelled by Love

Reflection

You know that moment when you mark the sign of the cross on the forehead of a confused 14-year-old with toothpaste? Come on, we’ve all been there.

No? OK, let me explain.

It’s fair to say the apostle Paul was sometimes viewed as… how shall we put it? ‘Different’. He did things that were a little odd. Travelling around, telling people to dedicate their lives to worshiping this young man who’d been executed by the government in some random country – regularly getting beaten up in the process. There wasn’t even money in it, for goodness’ sake!

Yet he and his band of friends continued. They remained confident. Why? Because the love of Christ compelled them. Paul & Co were so mightily aware of the love Christ had for them and for all people, it was like that love was squeezing them. Not the kind of squeezing that leaves you squashed, but a squeezing that forces action – a compelling squeeze. Like a tube of toothpaste: as your thumb and forefinger compress the tube, the toothpaste is compelled through the narrow opening onto the bristles of your brush.

That’s the reason I anointed a group of teenagers with Sensodyne; to emphasize how the love of Jesus is what propels our life of action.

They live in a world that is complex, sometimes scary, yet filled with kingdom opportunity. Each day when they’re at school, hanging out with mates, or playing Fortnite, experiencing God’s love means they can show love to their friends, and to those who aren’t in their group. They can make good choices, choices which might differ from their peers’. They can be open about the fact they’re Christians, rather than keeping it secret.

To do this, they need confidence. They need the compelling love of Christ. Don’t we all?

Responding in prayer

This morning – or tomorrow morning – as you prepare to brush your teeth, simply pray, ‘May Your love compel me’. Then commit to the Lord whatever lies ahead that day. Consider making it a habit!