21 Days: Revive Us Againనమూనా

DAY 16: A CONDUIT OF LOVE

Reflection:

The Collins Dictionary defines a ‘conduit’ as any channel or means through which something is passed. When we are revived with God’s love, we are a conduit for this life-giving love.

Jesus issued us a tall order in John 15: to love as He did - sacrificially, unconditionally, and relentlessly. Such love seems insurmountable by our human strength. In reality, opening our hearts to love others can be so daunting. It entails vulnerability and the risk of disappointment or pain. However, Jesus, fully aware of these challenges, did not withhold His love from us. Therefore, as conduits, we convey the same supernatural love we received from Him to those around us. If we choose to stay near and rooted to His rivers of life-giving waters, He can give us the capacity to love others, even those who are difficult to love!

Beyond that, the love that flows from a place of revival is life-giving, akin to the imagery conveyed in the Book of Ezekiel. God’s Spirit empowers us, giving us the courage and strength to extend genuine, selfless love towards others (Read 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8a). Abounding in His limitless love enables us to push past every fear of rejection, pride, or negative experiences and love as Jesus did.

Now, wherever we go, others can experience His unconditional love through us.

Response:

Consider what might have caused you to draw boundaries on how much you want to give, to love and to trust. Take this moment to think about people whom you find it difficult to love. Think about some ways you can reach out again; it might be giving a word of encouragement or reconnecting with someone with whom you had issues in the past.

Ask God for a new measure of love and compassion for others. As you do, allow God to renew your mind and remove the limitations that hold you back from loving others unconditionally.