Though I had lived, been loved and even demonstrated love to others, I really did not know love until I came to know Jesus for myself. As I engaged in a relationship with the Lord, I realized God to be “my first love”. He created me with purpose, on purpose. He knew me in my mother’s womb. He protected and provided for me physically, mentally and even spiritually as I grew from a child to a young woman with unconditional love. He comforted me and kept me nearer unto Him along the way all before I knew Him for myself. When I experienced God, his love for me was apparent! I felt an overwhelming acceptance, comfort and peace that blessed me to my core. It was true love revealed to me… “my first love”, my forever love.
Because of God’s love for me, I have been able to accept and love myself. Daily, as I embrace and love myself well, I am able to embrace and love others, not just my family and friends, but those I do not know well. God’s love has moved me to open my heart and our home to others, especially women and children.
In this season, “my first love” has been speaking fervently to me, reminding me of His love for me and his desire for me to love others more. He has laid it upon my heart to love women near and far. He opened my eyes to see and my ears to hear and he has revealed spaces he wants to uses me in. Though I was very reluctant to step out of my comfort zone to go beyond my own community where there are plenty of opportunities to serve, I submitted my heart to Him still feeling a bit unsure of how and when.
He calmed me with glimpses of ways and times in my busy life to serve on purpose. I am committed to following His lead. Often, I am prompted by Him to text or call someone, to pray and to extend myself to serve. These simple gestures are acts of love that I will continue to do unto His glory.
What are some acts of love that you’ve experienced unexpectedly?
Fruit of Her Hand 