As believers, we are all ‘after’ one thing, the heart of Christ. We are running the same race in pursuit of the same prize. We are witnesses to God. We all represent The Word in the flesh. We all have missions and callings. We highlight His glory.
A few Sundays ago at church our pastor, Paul Glenn, said this, “Jesus walked slowly through the crowds.” This spoke volumes to me because that is exactly what I and all of us should strive to do. The awareness and compassion Jesus had towards everyone; He noticed the beggars, the lame, the believers, the haters, the wanna-be’s, the thieves… He worked miracles without questioning or interrogation, He simply loved.
There is a non-profit called Preemptive Love Coalition and one of their mantras is “love anyway.” Their ministry/mission consists of going into Iraq and Syria and assisting those in need. Which, as everyone knows, can be extremely dangerous, but they do not ask every individual if they’ve ever done wrong or if they are a Christian, no questions are asked, they love anyway. In 1 Corinthians 13:13 it says this, “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is Love.” Today, with all the things that are happening, I believe it is vitally important to love. One of the many things my Aunt has taught me is that Jesus loves the sinner, the wrong-doer, the murderer as much as He loves the one who repents, the believer, and the compassionate. As believers on judgment day we will all be asked one question, “What did you do for My Son Jesus Christ?” And that is where we will differ.
This is when “Jesus walked slowly through the crowds” comes into play. Did we notice the hopeless on the side of the street? Did we see the need in the grocery store? Or did we smile, hold the door open, take the shopping cart back? You get the picture. The question that always gets me is this, “What if you are the only Jesus they ever encounter?” We are ambassadors of Christ; we represent Him every minute of every day. Why should we let temporary, unimportant things that are of importance to the world get in the middle of what is important to the kingdom? Let us all practice what we preach. As my pastor said, “Let’s move beyond Sunday.” I really like that because being a Christian is not only a Sunday event, it is ongoing, every day, and it is not invitation only…
I am adding this Hillsong United song because the lyrics are beautiful and powerful. My favorite is towards the end…
“If You gladly chose surrender so will I
I can see Your heart
Eight billion different ways
Every precious one
A child You died to save
If You gave Your life to love them so will I
Like You would again a hundred billion times
But what measure could amount to Your desire
You’re the One who never leaves the one behind”
Hannah Leach, a Junior at Liberty University, Lynchburg VA, majoring in social work. Hannah is 20-years old; in her sophomore year of college the Lord grabbed her heart and turned the direction of her life. What she had planned on was no longer the passion of her soul – after much searching, praying, crying out to the Lord she changed her major, began volunteering in the divorce care ministry for children in her at-college home church, and is not looking back. She is only looking forward and loving anyway!
And, because it’s Wednesday – don’t forget to leave a comment to be entered into the giveaway. Direct your comments to Hannah – these are her words. This is her heart.
This week I’ll be linking up with Inspire Me Monday, Tea and Word, Porch Stories, Coffee for Your Heart, Jennifer Dukes Lee, Tune In Thursday, Dance With Jesus, Fresh Market Friday, Glimpses of His Beauty, Salt and Light, Heart Encouragement, Thought-Provoking Thursday, Grace and Truth, Faith-Filled Friday, Seeking God, Glimpses of His Beauty.
The question that always gets me is this, “What if you are the only Jesus they ever encounter?”
So much THIS!! Thank you, Hannah, for your shared wisdom and heart today. Being predominantly homebound I see my mission field as the world wide web and as I visit around today, I will slow down and love more.
Thank you for reading Shelby! I am sure you will make an impact!
I love the passion in your words, Hannah, and I agree, it makes such a difference when we follow Jesus’ example to slow down and notice people and seek to show his love to them. Thanks for the reminder to be intentional in this and thank you, Susan, for sharing.
Thank you Lesley.
Hannah, thanks for this encouragement. I’m trusting God for opportunities to share Jesus with those who would not find Him elsewhere. Your testimony is a challenge to me.
I love a challenge! Thanks for reading Michele!
All I can say is Wow. Agreeing and seeing how much God has filled your heart with his love. Prayers for you and the journey that God has set before you. Love you.
I am glad you liked it! Thank you, I appreciate it. I hope you are doing well Carol. xo.
This gal gets it!!! Love is the greatest of these. Be Jesus to the hopeless, loveless, and emptiest….
Now,,,,, GO!
Thank you Auntie M! XO.
Thank you Hannah for your words of wisdom, you are so right we all need to show more love toward others in this crazy world that is so full of haters. We as Christian’s must show love and pray for all no matter who they are.
Love you girl
Exactly, Shirley. We are all a part of the same body and pledged to the same kingdom. Thanks for reading!
I have been pondering the word compassion today. Thanks for some food for thought.
I used to not be compassionate and I was bitter and cold. But God and L.U. changed me. I always pray for the Lord to break my heart for what breaks His. Thanks for reading Kelly.
Hannah, wonderfully expressed! This is what I want to remember and how I want to live > ““Jesus walked slowly through the crowds.” Thank you for the reminder today to walk slowly, see those around me, and love like Him. Beautiful! Grateful your Mimi shared your words with us all! Blessings!
Same here, Joanne. Thank you for reading!
Oh Precious Hannah, thank you for sharing your heart. You are such a blessing to me and others. I’m going to share this and also ponder this deep in my heart. I Love ya, forever honey!
Thank you Helemarie! Love you too! xo.
Bravo Hannah!
XO
Tammy
Thank you, thank you Tammy! xo.
Thank you Hannah for challenging our hearts to love today, We need that every day, so the eyes of our hearts will be open to see EVERY person around us as one loved by the Savior – no exceptions. As an old song said, “You’re the only Jesus some will ever see”.
Thank you for reading Lynne. We have the best thing living in our hearts so why not act on it and actually BE IT??
Hannah, you are wise beyond your years. I love this idea of slowing down and seeing people with love and compassion. When I rush, seeing only my own agenda, I miss what God may call me to do through Him.
Thank you Debbie. As they say, “be the change you want to see in the world”.
Very convicting, Hannah! I love this question, “What if you are the only Jesus they ever encounter?” That’s so important to always keep in focus and sadly I fail at it more times than not. I will keep that question in my mind though, thanks to you! Thanks also to Susan for highlighting your words today!
Yes, I fail at it too! Thank you for reading Beth!
So inspiring. God keeps reminding me how important love is. Sometimes I think it is easy to forget especially when we get too busy with our lives to stop. Great post!
Yes, I agree with you. I’m glad you are inspired! Thank you for reading Amanda!
Hannah, this is such a great post! Your Mimi is so proud of you!
Thank you Tara! I’m glad you liked it!
Cara just told me love anyway yesterday. If you are our leaders I will be thrilled!
Ha maybe someday! Thanks for reading Aunt Peg!
Wonderful and thoughtful post, Hannah! “What if you are the only Jesus they ever encounter?” Good question, indeed, that we all should take to heart.
Thanks for sharing your granddaughter with us, Susan! xo
Thank you Gayl, glad you took something from this!
A transformed heart transforms one’s outlook which transforms one’s life which transforms other hearts which transforms outlook…He is pleased.
Amen! Thanks Kitty!
Beautifully written, Hannah. I can see God is going to be able to use you in powerful ways!
Thank you Jana!
Walking slowly through the crowd…you’ve just given me a new and very important view on my Saviour. Thank you so much for this, Hannah (and for the cool video).
https://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2017/08/your-dying-spouse-350-oh-unfairness-of.html
Glad you liked it Andrew! Thank you.
Its wonderful to read that even as bad as things are in this world today we still have young men and women who listen and heed to the call of Holy Spirit…..The journey will not be easy Hannah but I believe you will handle it with style and wonder….God Bless you as you start a walk with the greatest of them all “The Great I Am”…..go and never look back….God Bless sandy houck
Thank you Sandy!
You are so wise and still so young Hannah girl. You got the right path to heaven by your love and compassion for all people. Sinners or not, they will see and feel through your heart. Thanks for your words of wisdom. Happy semester n “you go girl!”
Thank you Merry!
Thank you for sharing your heart Hannah. Love God and love people – no questions asked. This is a very good reminder in a tumultuous time. I pray God’s blessings over you as you continue to pursue your education and that His Spirit will overflow from you as you go out into the world.
Blessings,
Patti
P.S. Your grandma is quite special to me <3
Thank you Patricia! She is special to me too 🙂
Hannah, thanks for sharing such beautiful thoughts. Keep writing and challenging us all.
Donna, thank you for reading and commenting! Hannah is so busy getting ready to head to college she may not see this!
Hannah,
You are amazing. You already know how to hear what God is saying to you even when it comes from someone else’s’ lips. You’ve already found your voice to inspire and influence others in significant ways. And you’ve already discovered your passion and purpose and are finding ways to engage them. I know your family is proud of you but so is your pastor.
Thank you so much Pastor Paul! That means a lot to me. For the short but good amount of time I have been at Grace, I will certainly bring to school everything you’ve taught me! Thank you for inspiring me with your passionate heart that you pour out every Sunday morning. See you soon!