The message at church today reminded me of Jesus’ reckless love for us and convicted me about being inconvenienced. It all started with the parable of the lost sheep.
3 Then Jesus told them this parable: 4 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. (Luke 15:3-7 NIV).
We tend to focus on the one that is lost. I was reminded that leaving the 99 sheep out in open country was reckless. Jesus is reckless with His love to chase after the one. I was reminded that I need to show that same reckless love to others so they can experience Jesus.
Then came the conviction. Recently, my sister invited me to go to a friends house during an upcoming visit. This friend needed some love, compassion and support. I felt inconvenienced. I didn’t want to sacrifice my short visit for something that could be accomplished at another time without me.
I had forgotten what it means to be a vessel of reckless love. Work and other obligations have taken priority with my time and energy. I put Jesus on the bottom of my priority list. That realization stung a bit.
The truth is, showering others with the reckless love of Jesus, brings joy to everyone involved. Part of feeding my soul comes from sharing love with others. I need to adjust my priorities.
How are you at showering others with reckless love? Are your priorities in the right order? Share your experience here and breathe life and bring hope to others.