A couple weeks ago, someone’s car got broken into at our church. During our weekend services.
And wouldn’t you know it? It was a first-time guest.
Conversations started popping up among different groups about how to prevent this. I was engaged in several of those conversations. Some talked about the need for security cameras. Others, the need for personnel around the parking lot.
Church problems. Right?
One of my friends on staff said he has a pretty good idea who did it, based on who’s been hanging around our parking lot lately. And if you live nearby, you probably wouldn’t disagree. Throughout the week, several boys play basketball in our parking lot. Lots of people walk their dogs, ride their bikes, or skate.
People loiter in our church parking lot. And unfortunately, that bugs a lot of people (but that’s another blog post for another day).
So who’s the culprit? You wouldn’t be surprised if you heard the designation.
“It’s the neighborhood boys.”
So I decided to start paying closer attention. I’d put on my volunteer policeman hat and get to work. I’d watch out for people hanging around our parking lot. One of my good friends is a policeman. He’s on my speed dial. I’d have my phone ready to bust these dudes. They didn’t know they were messing with MacGuyver 2.0 (more like MacGruber).
And then Jesus happened (don’t you love it when He intervenes?).
I got this picture in my head of what He would say to these guys as they were stealing car stereos. I imagined Him responding with patience, because He would be moved with compassion.
These guys aren’t vandals. They’re people.
After all those times that Jesus reminds me not to hide my face from Him, I have a struggle allowing other people the same freedom. It’s almost like I feel like other people don’t deserve the same mercy because I’ve worked for mine!
Worked for mine? It’s mercy! You can’t earn it!
I’m reminded of Peter meeting Jesus on the beach after He had risen from the dead (John 21:15-19). Peter is both ecstatic to see Jesus and sheepish when he realizes that He is greeting the very man that he gave up on days before.
Love demands a different response.
It begs that you don’t condemn.
It invites you to share your life.
Here’s where the rubber meets the road (and possibly where you end up hating that you read this blog post).
I am certain that there are people in your life that would be great candidates for selfless love today. God is bringing them to mind right now, isn’t He? So when you’re tempted to police them, love them. When you’re itching to fire them, love them. When you’re hoping they just go away, invite them in. When they interrupt your day, give them the time.
After all, our Savior was motivated by love for us!
Freely you’ve been given; now freely give!
“What does love require of me?” – Andy Stanley