Loved Ones

The person on the other end would inform me that a neighbour, someone I knew, had died. By suicide. My morning immediately got wiped out, my day rattled, could barely focus. As the day wore on, I thought about all the instances we spoke. Few as though they were, I got to know him a little better. But not much. Then I realized, in the few instances that we spoke, I never one time mentioned my faith to him. Not once did I mention what an incredible difference God makes in my life, every single day. I could sense him reaching out at times but I felt my self draw the curtains around my inner man. I feel so bad about that. I now realise I was not the witness I was called to be.

So often when a loved one passes we reminisce about how much more we could have told them how much of a difference they make in our lives regardless of any negatives that may exist. Think about this though. What if the term “loved ones” did not only apply to those we know and are close to us. What if loved ones was...Everyone? Radical, Revolutionary? You bet! What about even the people that make us mad, angry, MISERABLE!!! In God’s eyes we are still His loved ones...especially when we mess up. How about this for radical and revolutionary.

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Everyone, in God’s eyes, is our “loved one”. Especially those who deserve that love the least. And when you love someone, you have to ask the Holy Spirit to show to you the best way to express that. Whether they be, father, friend or fury. The ultimate expression though is to some how , some way tell them about the love of God. Let your life, be the sermon. May your words be a healing balm and cooling shade under the terrible heat of this world of sin. Everyday we have a chance to love a new...”loved one”.

“It is easy enough to be friendly to one’s friends. But to befriend the one who regards himself as your enemy is the quintessence of true divine relationship. Everything else is mere business.”

Who will be your loved one today? 

— YorkAli Walters