“I will gladly spend myself and all I have for you, even though it seems that the more I love you, the less you love me.” (2 Corinthians 12: 15, NLT)
“Natural human love expects something in return.
The real test of a saint is not one’s willingness to preach the gospel, but one’s willingness to do something like washing the disciples’ feet – that is, being willing to do those things that seem unimportant in human estimation but count as everything to God. It was Paul’s delight to spend his life for God’s interests in other people, and he did not care what it cost… Paul focused his life on Jesus Christ’s idea of a New Testament saint; that is, not one who merely proclaims the gospel, but one who becomes broken bread and poured-out wine in the hands of Jesus Christ for the sake of others.”
(Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest, February 25)
Today I am joining … Scripture & a Snapshot and Sunday Scripture Blessings .
What a strong statement (one who becomes broken bread and poured-out wine in the hands of Jesus Christ for the sake of others.”) to ponder this week. Prayers to be more like that…..
Have a happy Sunday and week. Thanks for linking up with Sunday Scripture Blesslings. 🙂
Oh, I love the idea that they “count as everything to God.”
And may we be willing to do the work that is unseen to anyone but him!
Isn’t it so profound that Paul, who persecuted the church, ended up pouring out his life in service for the church.
Paul is a wonderful example of Christ’s love in action. I want to be able to spend and give myself “gladly” for God’s kingdom, and I’m afraid that too often I spend grudgingly instead.