Day 11 - Developing God's Heart

Lord Jesus Christ, speak to me.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort. 2 Corinthians 1:3-7

What are you passionate about? I’m not passionate about many things. I’m not a passionate, emotional guy. I sometimes wish I were more passionate and charismatic and enthusiastic. It’s just not me. And it may be that become more passionate in time. But, in my own, conservative, not very passionate, passionate way (does that make sense), I am passionate about winning, eating chicken wings, and some other not so important things.

But what is God passionate about? What thrills his heart and soul? I’m convinced if there is one thing God is passionate about, it is people. God loves people. He loves you. And me. I think He has more than proved this by sending His Son to take on flesh and bones and to die for the sins of the world. God “looks down” on a lost and hurting world that He cares so much about and did something about. He sent us Jesus to heal us, give us hope and make us new again. Amazing.

But think about your community. There are people all around you. Lost and hurting. Apart from God. And God loves them so much. And He so wants them to experience the new life that only comes from Him. That, to me, is God’s passion. Bringing new life to people. Look at the Scripture verses above. You’ve been lost and hurting in your lifetime as well. Have you experienced new life in Christ? It’s available to you, and your community. Pray for your neighbors. Pray for your community. Pray for a movement of God’s Spirit among us. Pray for lives to be changed. And go out and show others God’s love. Show it, and tell them about it. Invite them to church. Invite them to a Connection group. Have them over to your home. Share your life with them. Share the comfort you have received from God. And maybe one day, they will drop their defenses and let God make them new as well.