“When I am with you, I am at home.” “I think you have the most amazing gift for encouragement.” “You are the most natural leader.” A group of girls, in community group, all sat curled up on the couches as they took turns telling each other why they were significant in God’s eyes. Telling each other they were loved. Telling each other why they were chosen. Everyone grew a little closer that evening and everyone stood a little taller. Every soul was lifted in a way that only God knew how. Many times it’s easy to forget how far even one word of love can go. God moves through the things we say to one another. He moves through the things we do. The moment one realizes this, is the moment lives begin to change. We were made in the image of God. Not the physical image of God, the person of God. When we love we are reflecting the image of God.
“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poorand give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Corinthians 13:1-7
Some told me once that we should think of God as the grand canyon. The caverns deep and we watch it stretch wide in a beautiful and majestic ray of wonder. We go and yet no one can quite wrap their minds around the essence of it. We take a picture to show people and tell them how amazing it was. Yet that beautiful picture will never compare to the real experience and wonder. It is something you must see and do yourself. It’s true. God is like this. God is the canyon. We want to strive and grow to be the picture of Him. To experience His power and majesty. But the picture we give never really compares to the real experience. But, people will still get the idea of him when we reflect who He is. That picture speaks for itself. They will see how He has moved in our lives and you pray that they will seek it for themselves. Love God. Love People. Let Jesus reflect in your life. Because when we reflect Jesus, we get to watch Him move mountains.
“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” 1 John 4:8