Just a Minute Devotional #42
Thinking outside the box
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. (1 John 4:7, NIV)
The extended family was at our home for a gathering. The children were happy to have their cousins there to play. I laughed and snapped a picture when I found them crammed in a huge cardboard box with their heads peeking out and giggling. It was so cute.
As an adult, staying in our box is not cute at all.
Who exactly are our loved ones? Our spouse, parent, child, relative, or best friend? There comes a time when we must grow by stepping out of the box to include others, our neighbors, community, country, world, and even our enemies.
When Jesus was hanging on the cross, not only were his mother and disciples present, but also the hecklers. Jesus loved them all. He even prayed for the hecklers.
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34, NIV)
Jesus set the supreme example to solidify His words.
But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. (Luke 6:27–28, NIV)
He loved the world to death by sending His one and only Son to earth in human form. He watered the earth with His blood so that we could flourish.
So many in this world need our love, but we can’t stay in our little circle to reach them. Our reward will be great when we step out of our box and spread God’s love to everyone.
Prayer:
Dearest Lord, Give me your ability to love so that I might widen my circle to include those outside my cardboard box. Amen
