SUBMERGEഉദാഹരണം

Overflow Opportunities

"The boat is safer in the harbor, but the boat wasn't made for the harbor. It was made for the open sea."

When we talk about the world, we often express how crazy it has become. There is so much brokenness, pain, hurt, evil, and suffering around us. There are two ways to respond to the world and its issues. We can retreat, play it safe, and live in fear. Or, we can see possibility, potential, and opportunity. James 1:2 says, "Consider it joy when you encounter trials of various kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance."

When we look at the story of Judas, we see all of the world's chaos. Judas' betrayal sentenced Jesus to death. But Jesus responded with love, grace, and compassion. Jesus died for you and me.

We can look at the trials in the world the same way that Jesus did and the same way that James did. We can be excited about opportunities to be like Jesus and show love to those who need it most. We are called to love our enemies, people different from us, and share the love of Christ with them. This kind of radical love and the courage it takes to step out in faith is only possible by the power of the Spirit living within us.

Today, take a few moments to pray. Ask God to give you overflowing love, opportunities to show that love, and eyes to see those opportunities.

Reflection:

What is something that I have learned from someone who is different from me?

How can I begin the courageous act of seeking out opportunities to be in a relationship with someone different from me?

Why is it important to build relationships with people different from you, even though it might be challenging?

Bryton Schmitt
SNU Class of 2019