“Four Months to get a Hug”

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

that you may be children of your Father in heaven.

He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good,

and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

If you love those who love you, what reward will you get?

Are not even the tax collectors doing that?

And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others?

Do not even pagans do that?

 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

Matthew 5:43-48

 

Odd title for a blog post, isn’t it?

Today, as the church gathered, we were told of the progress of one of the newer ministries begun here at His Place at the direction of the LORD.

It was noted that after four months of serving a group of people one of those ministering had received their first ‘hug’ from someone who had been blessed by that ministry.

A small step but a step nonetheless as they seek to build relationships, minister to needs and share the Gospel.

We were challenged, perhaps not with these particular words, but with the same sentiment:

What would you do if it were four years before a hug was received?

Would you continue to serve faithfully?

Would you continue, in love, to pray for them?

Radical love answers “Yes!” to those questions.

That person to whom God has revealed His grace cannot help but share the news of that wonderful grace with others.

They realize that God extended His grace to them while they were ‘enemies’ of God.

If we minister only to those who already love God how is His Kingdom advanced?

Let God stretch you this week.

Ask Him to lead you to someone you would not normally reach out to.

Maybe you’ll not have a chance to say a lot but speak His love through your actions.

You’ll be amazed how powerfully that love can speak!