My Prayer for Us

I began writing this letter for a friend and then I realized that I needed to hear these things as much (or more) than she did. Later it occurred to me that maybe there were more than just the two of us, so I’m sending it to all of us.

Merry Christmas!
*****

Dear One.

I pray that you will come to see and love and appreciate the person that those around you see and love and appreciate. God CHOSE YOU to live and declare His works and bring Him glory. He did NOT make a mistake. He loves you with a love that is so intense, it moved Him to give His greatest gift ever. But that gift is much bigger than you think. Jesus did not die simply to save us from the horrors of hell, as enormous as that gift is. He died to give us life.

A full and complete life - Now
A life that is reconciled to God the Father- Now
A life that is free of the bondage of sin and the darkness of this world- Now
A life that is filled to overflowing with love

Love that flows from the heart of the Father, encompassing our own hearts, covering those closest to us, and spilling over to everyone we encounter. Not our own love, but His love flowing through us.

Considering all this, I encourage you to think twice before you throw this love back in His face.
Before you hoard your love
Before you refuse to obey His commandments
Before you abuse your body in any way
Before you speak with less than love – to anyone, including yourself

Now, lest you misunderstand, I am not talking about elevating yourself in a prideful way or being selfish. I am talking about respect. I am talking about applying the Golden Rule in both directions.

“And as ye would that men should do to you,
do ye also to them likewise.”
Luke 6:31

If you would never treat the people you love in a harsh or demanding way, then don’t treat yourself that way either. And if you would not demand such a high level of perfection from yourself, don’t demand it of others- family, friends or strangers.

Jesus great gift of love grows as we use it. Embrace it fully and share it with everyone you meet. Let Him set you free.

With much love,

Your dear friend