I met a girl recently who talked to me the entire time with her arms folded across her chest and her head tilted slightly to the side as if she was keeping the door in her peripheral view. She was a beautiful girl. I’d say she talked to me, but actually I did most of the talking. Her body language told me much more than her words.
And it made me wonder if that’s how we treat God.
I think most people size up God with one eye on the door, keeping their heart guarded behind imaginary walls, and I think I know why. The enemy has planted this thought in the crevices of unsuspecting minds: in our world of disappointment, pain, and tragedy, people disappoint us, so why wouldn’t God?
It’s a legitimate question — and the only reason the devil can pull this lie off so well. People disappoint one another every day. I’ve been disappointed, and sadly, I’m guilty of disappointing others unknowingly. I don’t think any of us (I’m referring to Christians who have the Holy Spirit and the love of God in them) intentionally mean to let people down, but it happens.
So we close ourselves off — first from people, and then from God…
Thankfully, walls don’t intimidate God.
He says, “Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Put My yoke upon your shoulders—it might appear heavy at first, but it is perfectly fitted to your curves. Learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble of heart. When you are yoked to Me, your weary souls will find rest. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30, TVT). I’m so thankful no matter how closed off we try to be, God never rejects us. He just keeps invading our space.
Love. That’s who God is. He can’t be anything else.
Good. That’s what God is. He can’t be anything else.
And in His goodness, the Bible says He put Himself within believers by His Spirit, filling us with His love. “Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Romans 5:5).
So what should this love look like? Well for starters…
“Love is patient” (it’s not quick-to-judge situations or people);
“Love is kind” (it’s not bitter or sharp-tongued);
“Love isn’t envious, doesn’t boast, brag, or strut about” (it’s humble because it knows nothing originated with self).
“There’s no arrogance in Love” (it keeps an honest assessment of itself);
“It’s never rude, crude, or indecent—it’s not self-absorbed” (it endeavors to look around, seeing others through the lens of compassion–and filters its words carefully).
“Love isn’t easily upset” (it takes things in stride, giving understanding to others and situations).
“Love doesn’t tally wrongs” (it doesn’t keep count of how many times it’s been disappointed)
“Or celebrate injustice; but truth—yes, truth—is Love’s delight” (always).
“Love puts up with anything and everything that comes along; it trusts, hopes, and endures no matter what” (it makes a conscious choice to believe the best of every person, including the intents of their heart).
“Love will never become obsolete” (it can’t fade out or run out because it started everything we know, see, touch, or feel). [1 Corinthians 13:4-8, TVT]
This is God. And this is what He has put in our hearts. It’s why we don’t have to be closed off with Him and it’s also why we should never reject those who are closed off to us.
People will make their own choices in life and love will let them. But love won’t write them off or harbor a grudge.
Love prays.
Love keeps the door open.
Love seeks.
And love pulls walls down.
I don’t know where you are in this equation today, but just remember, LOVE is with you.
