It's Me Again God 2

15. Extravagant Love

It's me again God,

This week I've continued to be very challenged by the story of the woman with the alabaster jar. She was not concerned with what people would think but just allowed herself to be led by her heart. Such generosity and extravagant love resulted in a commendation from You Jesus —You called her action a 'beautiful thing'. I have been thinking about this and had almost come to the conclusion that I could never do anything quite so beautiful to demonstrate my love for You until I remembered Your words from the parable of the sheep and the goats:

"For when you saw me hungry, you fed me. When you found me thirsty, you gave me something to drink. When I had no place to stay, you invited me in, and when I was poorly clothed, you covered me. When I was sick, you tenderly cared for me, and when I was in prison you visited me.'

"Then the godly will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty and give you food and something to drink? When did we see you with no place to stay and invite you in? When did we see you poorly clothed and cover you? When did we see you sick and tenderly care for you, or in prison and visit you?'

"And the King will answer them, 'Don't you know? When you cared for one of the least important of these my little ones, my true brothers and sisters, you demonstrated love for me.'"
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭25:35-40‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Whatever I do for others, it's just as if I'm doing it for You —I am demonstrating love for You! Holy Spirit, please guide me and give me a heart of extravagant love and compassion toward those who are hungry, thirsty, homeless, poor, sick or in prison. It's easy to just leave it up to someone else as it often seems very much out of my comfort zone. Lord help me to hear where you are calling me to serve this year. May I be open to new opportunities to reach those who society would label as the least important. May Your love fill me and overflow to others in practical ways and in doing so, demonstrate love for You! This is in line with Your commandment to love:

""So I give you now a new commandment: Love each other just as much as I have loved you. For when you demonstrate the same love I have for you by loving one another, everyone will know that you're my true followers.""
‭‭John‬ ‭13:34-35‬ ‭TPT‬‬

This has a flow on effect in letting others know that I am Your disciple —they will see You! Opportunities will arise to share the Good News with them, which is surely the ultimate goal! Lord take away any fear I have or inadequacy I feel in serving those who are needy. I will go in Your Name and extravagantly love with a true heart of compassion! I will use whatever gifts You have given me and love people into Your Kingdom!

Until You come again,
Amen.