Who is Your Most Important Person?

Our pastor made a profound statement yesterday: “The will of God for your life probably involves others.” God’s will certainly involves others! We each have the calling and privilege of sharing the love of Jesus with those we come in contact with! 

Debbie Sivley and I have come to realize the truth behind this statement. Every week, we visit shut-ins, offering our prayers and time to make a positive impact on their lives. Jesus calls us to emulate His presence in this world, radiating His love, offering His touch, providing comfort through His words, and attentively listening to their spoken and unspoken concerns. Some individuals yearn to be heard, while others require encouragement in their faith. Still others simply need our presence, allowing them to experience the profound love of God both emotionally and physically. 

I have always found comfort in Psalm 46:10, which proclaims, “Be still and know that I am God.” Yesterday morning, our pastor encouraged us to take a few moments to be still and meditate on this verse before he began sharing the Word. It was akin to a Quaker meeting, where you silently await the Holy Spirit to move upon your heart. Yesterday, the Spirit touched my heart, reminding me that in being still, I can connect with God and receive His love. The love I have received in Jesus isn’t meant to be concealed within me; it’s meant to be radiated outward. I have freely received it, and I must freely give it to others. 

This picture depicts Debbie and Melba Harris. Melba is responding to our visit with her. I wish I had a picture of the radiant smile and overwhelming joy that lights up Melba’s face every time she looks at Debbie and connects with her. If you could witness the sudden burst of happiness and life in Melba’s eyes, you would see her coming alive in the love of Jesus. You would also see her returning the love she is receiving—Melba is ministering to Debbie in return!

The world is yearning for this love. The grumpy man down the street is yearning for it. The woman who uses offensive language is yearning for it. The angry one who constantly pushes you away is yearning for it. The child who has turned away from his faith is yearning for it. The shut-in in the nursing home is yearning for it. The lady who can’t see but believes in her healing is yearning for Jesus’ love and physical touch. They all need His grace. They all need His unconditional love. They all need Jesus loving them through you. And you may not realize it, but you are starved for His love when you aren’t letting Him love through you.

Years ago, even as my parents lost ground to dementia, they inspired me with their love for Jesus. But they still needed something from me. I asked the Lord to reveal their hearts to me. And these were their unspoken words He spoke in my heart.

“Sometimes I feel so alone in my world and so afraid. But then I feel your hand on my arm and I know you are with me and will take care of what I can’t. God doesn’t abandon me now that I am old and gray and lost to even myself. I feel Him in your love, in your words, in your touch, and in the moments that you give me. No matter how lost I may become, I am still me. Remind me of who I am when I have forgotten and love me through times which may break your heart. As long as you love me, I know who I am through you.”

Who is your most important person? Is it someone else or it is you? Are you loving the shut-in, your neighbor, your friend, and the one who annoys you so much? Are you loving them so they can know how much Jesus loves them? Are you laying down your life for them as Jesus laid down his for you?

In her time with Debbie, Melba knows she is loved. She is loved as she longs to be loved, and she returns it with joy. In that moment, Debbie receives the blessing of the one she has blessed. 

God blesses us to bless others. Love those He brings into your life with His love. Share His Word and take the time to genuinely listen to them. Pray for His wisdom and ask the Holy Spirit to continually guide you. Sharing God’s unconditional love and grace with others is your highest calling; never run away from it; run to it! There, you’ll find your joy, peace, and purpose!