2 Corinthians 6:11-13
Friends in Corinth, we are telling the truth when we say that there is room in our hearts for you. We are not holding back on our love for you, but you are holding back on your love for us. I speak to you as I would speak to my own children. Please make room in your hearts for us.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Telephone conversations with a toddler who is not quite three are challenging, to say the least! Timothy tries to “show” me what he is saying… and of course, I can’t “see” his nods and gestures in response to my questions and comments. So I try to keep things as simple as possible… questions he can answer with one word or two… singing one of his favorite songs… and lots of “I love yous!” In the most elementary way possible, my husband and I try to convey to him with words that there is more than enough room in our hearts for him. And I know from his responses that the feeling is mutual.
We can’t exactly get a physical hug from God, either. Yet, He shows us in ways great and small that there is room in His heart for us. But how do we show Him our heart? Is there room for God there? Do we speak and act in a way that exhibits love, respect, honor and glory to Him? Do we waste time trying to make lavish, grand gestures - or do we keep it as simple as possible… offering prayers of praise, living and serving in a way that pleases Him, speaking His truths and sharing the Good News with others, operating in love and kindness?
Timothy knows that we love him. Every time he gets pictures, coloring pages, or a toy or new clothes in the mail, he knows we are thinking of him. When we sing a song over the telephone, he is reminded of the hours we spent singing in the living room and playing together. When we tell him “I love you,” he remembers the hugs and kisses that accompanied those words. And every single day, God is showering us with love and hugs through all sorts of gestures… the warmth of a beautiful sunny day… health and healing… the smiles and kindness of others… and much more. All we have to do to feel God’s love is to open our hearts and minds to the possibilities He offers. We have to stop holding back… to “let go and let God” fill us with His love, grace, mercy and blessings.
What is the condition of your heart? Is it open wide, with room for God to enter and fill you? Or are you holding back - both in your ability to receive and to give love to God and others? Isn’t this a perfect time to open your heart… to allow God to fill you with His love… and to simply and profoundly share love and kindness with others? Do you know how much God loves you? Do others know how much you love them? Just how wide open is your heart these days?
©2012 Debbie Robus
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