My son dug deep in the car, pulling out a prized and loved possession. He smiled. X marked the spot; he found his treasure – his special quarter. Not only that, but he found a trinket for his sister too. Even better! Things were going smooth as fresh brewed coffee on Friday morning, at least for a little while…
Walking into school, an oncoming kid approached.
“Want my quarter?” My son said.
This moment of generosity, made me curl up in anxiety. Why? He’d hate his decision after they boy walked away. He’d be angry that he let go of his favorite quarter. He’d throw a fit all the way to the front door of school, wanting me to go classroom-by-classroom to hunt the kid down. Then, I’d have to demand the thing back. My heart clenched itself and quickened.
He shouldn’t give that loved treasure to a boy he doesn’t know.
He’s going to pant and panic after he gives it away.
I’m going to suffer because he had a do-good idea.
While I tell my son to love like Jesus,
loving like Jesus is completely inconvenient.
This thought gets me thinking…
How often do I go to places inconvenient to pour out love?
How often do I push the boundaries of giving,
by offering a radically spontaneous gift of blessing?
Not often. I think about the Christians being persecuted; I don’t give much. I think about a friend going through a hard time; I forget to call. I consider an act of kindness; I get embarrassed they might think I am weird. I stay comfortably comfortable. I choose safe-Jesus.
But, I wonder? What if I get off my beaten path, to travel down roads of discomfort – where the likes of leprosy, blindness and poverty – reside? What if I, rather than thinking of comfort, intentionally move into uncomfortable – and extend not just small quarters – but abundant sums?
I sit next to the downcast woman on the city bench – and encourage her.
I walk up to the homeless woman and buy her lunch.
I pursue the depressed one who should have been over it by now and state, “I won’t abandon you.”
I dump money on causes that are closely aligned to Christ’s heart.
I pray wholeheartedly for the person who has deeply hurt me and bless them in secret.
God wants to provide a love transfusion from us – to them. Will we allow it? Will we outpour our very best?
A woman came with a special sealed jar. It contained very expensive perfume made out of pure nard.
She broke the jar open and poured the perfume on Jesus’ head. Mk. 14:3
This woman just came right in, no hesitancy is noted.
She just broke the jar, no doubts are described.
She just poured it over Jesus, no worries seemed present.
She saw the opportunity & she acted. BOOM!
Did Jesus have an overwhelming need for perfume? No.
Did she have an overwhelming desire to pour out blessing? Yes. BOOM!
She broke it.
Right then.
Right there.
With people watching.
With critical eyes observing.
With a personal cost – and a financial one.
It moved from her heart.
Her best.
Her love.
Honor.
What are you pouring out for Jesus?
Is it mundane or the magnificent?
Is it basic or breathtaking?
Is it ordinary or extraordinary?
Are we dumpers? Love transfusers?
Friends, I won’t lie, 10 times out of 10, I am selfish. But my encouragement is, 10 times out of 10, Jesus is a love transfuser: Christ’ blood poured out – to cover my sins – and yours. (Heb 10:12).
This is our hope today. It is our fresh life. Our beating heart that beats for others.
BOOM! Jesus did it! He acted. Walked. Healed. Loved. Died. Without reservation. Without failing. Without procrastination. Without tallying losses. He didn’t stall. He died.
Why? Because he loves you and he loves me – and then he works through you and through me.
Who are we letting Jesus love?
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