“If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. 35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” Luke 6.32-36
It’s easy to love those who are lovable. So much of my work allows me to simply love on those who are lovable. But am I going to the places where sinners dwell? Where the homeless sleep? Where orphaned children live?
This week I have been serving in Costa Rica, partnering with a Methodist missionary friend from the States—a man I have known for 32 years. He and his wife have committed to serve in this country for nearly that entire time. He did not leave seminary and go to a cute little Texas town like Marble Falls; he did not move into a parsonage and begin building his earthly empire. Instead, he settled into this country, living temporarily with a ministry friend and going months without owning a car.
After being here for some time, they founded the Methodist Home for orphaned children—twenty years ago (learn more here). They are building a refuge for 32 children who have no homes or parents. Over the years, more than 164 of these children have been cared for. They have a nice home but no mansion; they drive nice but older-model cars. They give their time, day in and day out, to those who are the least, the last, and the lost. They love the unlovable, lending their time and resources to those who could never repay them. And as Jesus says, great will be their reward in heaven.
I am involved in a different kind of ministry, but I also need to be mindful of loving those who can’t love me back—and not only doing good to those who can do good in return. I am called to care for orphans, widows, the homeless, and the hurting. Primarily, I am building up the church, raising up leaders, and helping lead students to Jesus. It is a blessing beyond blessing. I see nothing wrong with what I am doing, yet my eyes must also be on the vulnerable, the lost, and the least.
Yesterday was my final day in Costa Rica, and I am ready to return home—to rest and reset, to see my family, and to continue watching God do amazing works through me and others. I don’t pretend that my reward will be great in heaven; I simply want to walk beside my Savior and find my whole being in Him. I work because of calling, conviction, and a commitment to the One who first loved me.
Are you doing the same?
O Lord God, You are so faithful. Thank You for allowing me to walk in this life next to You, to give when I can, to call forth others to go out and reach those who need you the most. Come now, Holy Spirit, fill me with your love. Help me find strength in you. I praise you for your grace and love. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen