I often go walking with my dog. It is not only good exercise, but valuable time I spend with God and is my favourite part of the day after work. On one of our walks, I saw a flock of birds, possibly racing pigeons. But instead of doing the usual v-formation, they did what can only look like a love heart. God was getting my attention for sure!
As someone who enjoys statistics, there are over 14 definitions of love, yet none comes close to the unconditional, extravagant love of God Himself. When media and the world tells us how love should be, God quietly declares in His word, though His spiritual gifts to us love for others and what we should declare about Him.
God's best demonstration came at the cost of becoming human, and living in the sinful, violent world of the Roman Empire. His love, wisdom, and healing He shared, expecting nothing back. Out of pure love for humanity, did God make the ultimate sacrifice. He desired we show love towards all and to express our love to Him.
Today I read about the parable of the sower which displays how we should scatter our seed (the good news of the love of Jesus) to others. I was reminded of the birds eating the seed, as I know a house in my neighbourhood the loves feeding native birds. Unfortunately, the end result is devastation and aggressive animals.
Not all will accept what we say, in fact, like the native birds, they will be hostile or it will not 'take root', much like the seed that withers in shallow soil, or be strong like the weeds. Helping people to know God, takes time, love and patience. This is especially true in our journey as we help witness to the Japanese on home soil
If we do not give up, we may see the crop become fruitful, or hear about it down the
track from others. We do not always get to take the whole journey with the people we witness to, but God knows them and He always showers us with love, no matter what season we are in.
