There is such a tension. The struggle is real here. Sweet friend, it is imperative that we learn to love like Jesus if we call ourselves His follower. Follow is the operative word. We must follow the perfect example the best that we can in spite of our imperfect nature.
How do we love the way Jesus loves? How can we be full of compassion and grace and speak truth and love into hearts? Of all the things that weigh on my heart– of all the things I hear Him gently speak in His still, small voice again and again, this very struggle has had my heart in recent years.
And I talk about it over and over. You hear me say this, sweet reader:
Love like Jesus.
Together, you and I ask the same question.
How can we?
How can we dust off our messes, repent from our sinful, selfish natures, and love that way? We’re all asking this question and there’s nothing new under the sun today.
But today. Today, I sat across the table from a beautifully wise mentor of faith and words. We talked about books and truth and grace over cups of coffee and strawberry smoothies. And her wisdom spoke something new into my heart.
God often does that, doesn’t he? He speaks through real-life friends with flesh on, those who share our real-life struggles and our hearts for Him.
I spoke of my desire to encourage others in bravery for Jesus. She reminded me of the importance in sharing our best tips and tools. She reminded me that we all need the practical advice when we ask the question, “How?”
And maybe that’s just it?
Maybe we need to gather together, reminding one another to press on with our very best tips: the tried and true! If we are going to be brave for Jesus, we are going to need one another. Let’s be brave together.
I’ll pour out my best thoughts in the midst of my mess-ups. You share yours, too. Encourage one another in truth and in grace to follow Jesus with our very best.
I’ll tell you about that time I grew cucumbers just to give them away. You tell me your very best ideas. May I learn from you?
I’ll tell you my stories of the times I got it wrong. I better tell you those, too. Once upon a time, I was too zealous and someone closed a door to the Gospel. I’ll tell you all about that. Maybe then, you won’t repeat my mistakes.
Sweet friends, we will become more like Jesus if we are honest and brave enough to share this journey together. Following Jesus is a narrow road and we need encouragement along the way.
Let us circle around one another and cheer one another on. Maybe we need to be a bit more practical. Let’s keep it so real and authentic with our Sisters in Christ. Let’s remember that a win for you is a win for me! We’re all trying to grow the Kingdom of God. We need each other.
And so it was written on the little chalkboard the night the women gathered together in that space around tables with hearts to encourage and a desperate need for the Savior’s love.
May we encourage one another and all the more. May we teach one another to love and to follow in the ways of Jesus. May our advice be full of wisdom and the tried and true tips that come with authentic lives. Together, we can be brave for Jesus. We don’t walk this narrow road alone.
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
~Hebrews 10:24-25
May we live bravely enough to love like Jesus. Together. Hand in hand.
From my heart to yours,
~Courtney
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