The person who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 4:8 (NETFull)
As missionaries in the South Pacific islands, one of our most rewarding ministries happened on Saturdays. We regularly took a dozen abuse survivors and their babies to a favorite swimming hole. Sparkling water tumbled through the jungle, and emptied into an emerald pool shaded by ropy banyan trees. From there, the mountain stream eased over a glassy lip and dropped fifty feet where it roared into another pool.
Children squealed with laughter, and their mothers played in God’s healing nature. We were privileged to serve this restorative ministry.
That tropical field trip destination is a reminder of how God’s love works. I don’t love other people with my own resources, but rather with God’s love, that briefly swirls through me before it is replaced afresh.
The upper pool never looked down on the next basin to decide if it was a worthy recipient. It couldn’t help but dump into whatever was beside it. In the same way, I can’t choose with whom I share God’s love. The person the Lord puts near me becomes the target of my overabundance. They may or may not receive it well. They might be already clogged with bitterness. Yet, God’s love rushing through me must spill mercy in their direction.
In fact, if I’m not loving others, it can mean only one thing—I’m not receiving God’s love.
Prayer: God of love, pour right through my life.