Page 45 - Grace150 Devotional

And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for
all, as we do for you. 1 Thessalonians 3:12
I remember the first time I saw the girl sitting on the floor during Pioneer
Girls where I was a leader. We became great friends. She grew up and I lost track
of her, until I ran into her 10 or 15 years later. We hugged and pledged to keep
in touch.
We did keep in touch. “I do not have money for gas.” “I got cheated on my
paycheck this week and can’t make it.” “There is no food in the house.” I knew she
wasn’t lazy and was working while trying to go to school. I had compassion. But
the weeks turned into months, the months into years, and I wondered if it would
ever end. I didn’t feel the joy I once felt.
The Lord mercifully spoke to my heart. “If I give away all I have, and if I deliver
up my body to be burned but have not love, I gain nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:3).
I knew my problem. “Oh God,” I prayed, “help me love her.” The Lord who is
excellent in working and wonderful in power has been helping me ever since.
Lord, may we increase and abound in love for others, in Christ’s name, amen.
– Cindy Harford

devotions for the journey DAY 38