Jesus was not only the greatest lover, but the greatest gatherer of people.
Crowds flocked to him flocked to him with loving soft words, gentle truths,
and welcomed people exactly where they were.
He called a hated tax collector gazing at him from up in a tree, graciously accepted a forlorn
foreign woman at the well, and healed one woman from among a throng who in bold faith reached out to
touch the hem of his cloak. No matter where Jesus was, He lassoed a circle of love around people
and they were joyfully drawn to Him.
The holiday season traditionally means the gathering of friends and family, but this year due to
health precautions we are health challenged to think about what hospitality means differently - and this
gives us pause to ponder how we likewise can surround people with Christ-like love.
Perhaps this year God isn’t calling us right now to bake pies or plan an event as much as He wants us to
come together in spirit. It may mean looking less like a party and more like being emotionally
present initiating a long video chat, mailing “thinking of you” cards or visiting that
neighbor who you usually just wave to and cross the street and share with them a meaningful moment of love and care.
Not just in this season, but Jesus is always calling us to show HIS LOVE to the lonely or those
in difficult places through our sincere actions, but also to remind them how very close He is as the Bible says:
“It is the LORD who goes before you.
He will be with you.
He will not leave you or forsake you.
Do not fear or be dismayed.”
Deuteronomy 31:8
Instead of regretting that you failed to say something kind or encouraging to someone,
let them know that you care about them. Let’s make a commitment to be more aware and sensitive to
those who are placed in our lives and reach out to love them deeply and unconditionally with the love of
Jesus in our hearts, and not just in this season and age...but ALWAYS.
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