It's Me Again God 2

6. Love....with Action and in Truth

It's me again God,

Thank You for the blessings of these past few days but as I lie in comfort, reflecting on happy times, You are reminding me today that this time of the year is often a very difficult one for those in relationships that are struggling.  All the hype of the lead up to Christmas and the portrayal of joy and peace in movies and advertisements showing perfect families, lovingly exchanging gifts and sharing a meal around a perfectly set table in a perfectly decorated house, can be the last straw for some!

This is the dark side of the season which exposes realities I would rather not see! While we are trying to eat all the leftovers, find room for new gifts and post pictures of our best ever Christmas on social media, someone is packing their bags to leave their partner.  Some will go and stay with friends or family but many will have nowhere to go or be so ashamed that they don't want to let family know what has happened. Many who have little means to financially support themselves,  become numbered among the 150 million people worldwide who are homeless!

How this must break your heart Lord! Newsfeeds are littered with reports of domestic violence, murders and suicides which increase over this holiday period. There seems to be no end to the sadness many experience but Jesus, I know You said:

"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.""
‭‭Luke‬ ‭19:10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Thank You that You were willing to come into a broken world, to people who were very lost. Even now, You want to come right into people's situations and heal their broken hearts, torn apart relationships and hopelessness.  You came for people who were homeless and poor:

""The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.""
‭‭Luke‬ ‭4:18-19‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Thank You that it's Your desire to reach all of the world, both rich and poor and to bring them into Your Kingdom and restore them. This is such a beautiful expression of Your love!

"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth."
‭‭1 John‬ ‭3:16-18‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Thank You that You were willing to come into all the chaos of this world to ultimately lay down Your life for me on the cross. This is something I cannot keep to myself! Your love has touched me so I can reach out to those who need Your loving support in a practical way. Show me where Your love is most needed today.  May my words and actions line up so many will know Your love and compassion!

I bring before you all who live in this world who have had their lives shattered in some way or another and are doing it tough. Lord reach down to comfort and provide for them through the love of Your people. Bring healing and restoration today!

In Jesus' Name,
Amen.