11/06/2021
As Christians we have a weapon in our spiritual arsenal that can overcome every instrument of harm that the world can throw against us. We might think it is the power of God’s right arm, or perhaps the wisdom we have received that allows us to outthink the plans of anyone who comes against us, and any situation we find ourselves in, but the weapon we possess is mightier than these; our greatest weapon is the ability to love. When we love as God, and Jesus, love us, then we can disarm our enemies, and stand strong against every obstacle in life. We not only overcome our adversaries, but we transform them in the process. In this way we are using love to conquer the world as we should?
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
Romans 8:37 ESV
I work for a hospital company and people trust us to care for them well, and with compassion. Years ago I was in a meeting at work regarding a systems problem we were facing, and it was severe. Emotions were running high, and tempers were on edge. I was one of the primary decision makers, and this made me a target when others lashed out in their frustration. I had prayed before entering the meeting room that day, because I knew it would be adversarial, and asked the Lord to guide me, and allow me to control my temper, and my tongue. I felt the Spirit come over me, and a calm enter into my heart. I was told to love these people because they were frightened, didn’t know how to proceed, and we’re not in possession of the peace that God had given me.
As the meeting started the battle lines were drawn, and someone immediately drew their bitter tongue, and lashed out with it. I sat quietly listening as the battle raged, and then calmly disarmed them by loving them as I gave my answer. I told them that I knew the situation was dire, and that they were frightened, then laid out a path forward that not only solved the issue at hand, but that rubbed salve on the raw emotions of the moment. I spoke with love, and as a peacemaker… we solved the problem that day, and what happened in that room changed how those people entered into future meetings.
“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
Ephesians 5:1-2 ESV
Years later I was walking in our corporate office when I ran into someone I hadn’t seen in a few years. He came up to me, greeted me as a long lost friend, and told me how good it was to see me. He went on to say that my name had come up in a high level executive meeting that week, and someone had said that in all of the years they had known me that they had only seen me raise my voice twice… and those times were when patient care was at risk, and correcting the situation showed a love for those who came to us for help. You see love is a powerful weapon and although you might find that you will occasionally suffer personal harm when you draw it from its scabbard, it will ultimately triumph, and although you might not see its full effect for years, or perhaps ever, it changes hearts… even our own.
“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:1-3, 13 ESV
Whether we are craftsmen, businessmen, musicians, singers, pastors, or healers… whatever our role in life is, or whatever the situation we face, love is our greatest help, and solution. Though we might find it necessary to suffer, or even die as a result of it, always remember that the love we show changes others, saves others, and advances the kingdom of God. Love allows us to touch people in a powerful way, and it gives us the strength of faith we need to walk as Jesus walked, and forgive as He forgave… it is what transforms us more perfectly into His image.
“And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.”
Luke 23:33-34 ESV
Are we using love to conquer the world as we should? Are we transforming, and being transformed by it?
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your love, and for teaching us to use it in our lives as we seek to be more like you with each passing day. Help us to reach out to you when men hate us, because we know that they hate us just like they hated your Son Jesus. Let our ability to love conquer all that the world throws at us, and give us the resolve, and healing touch that treats every wound we might sustain by remaining firm in love before our enemies. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who is love, and who leads us to lean on that gift of love always. Praised be your name for every opportunity we are given to demonstrate your love in our daily lives, and to changes lives by so doing. Merciful are you Holy Father who uses the sharp edge of your love to circumcise every heart, and draw many to you through your Son Jesus. Your grace allows us the room in life that we need to learn from how you love us, how Jesus loves us, how your children love us, and how we are to love others too, as we become like you. Wash away our sins Lord with the blood of Christ, for His blood wasn’t taken from Him, but offered up in love for us. On the day of our judgement, dry our tears, and heal our wounds… not as a reward for our works, but through the love, and grace, we have come to know in you. Bring us home Father and seat us lovingly at your table forevermore.
“Arguments or reproaches can never overcome a spirit of hatred and bitterness. Our faith in love as the greater power in the world should prepare us for a life of communion with God in prayer, and for a life of unselfish service amongst our fellow men.” - Andrew Murray
Rich Forbes