Extremism

"And live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."-Ephesians 5:2 NIV

There was a time in my life not too long ago when I rode the bus on a daily basis. One day I was at a layover and saw a man, whom I will call John, approach another, whom I will call Paul, for a handout to get something to eat for dinner. Paul reached into his right rear pants pocket and pulled out his wallet. He opened up his wallet, pulled out a five dollar bill, and handed it to John. John was grateful and said, "God bless you." He thanked Paul and walked away.

The next day, Paul got off the bus with me at the same layover. John was there again and he approached just like the day before, asking for a handout. Paul reached into his back pocket, just like the day before, and pulled out his wallet. He opened it up, but this time he pulled out every single bill that he had in it and gave it to John. I didn't see every bill, but I can tell you the amount was substantial.

John stood there stunned. I'm sure he expected to get another five dollar bill, just enough for something to eat again that night. Instead, he got much more. John tried to give some of it back to Paul, but Paul would have none of it. John said, "God bless you." Then there was a sheepish utterance of gratitude from John as he slowly walked away. That would be the last time we ever saw John.

What Paul did was an offering and sacrifice to God. He gave to a person he didn't know, but just like Jesus, he gave out of love. Jesus didn't know you or me when He gave Himself as a sacrificial lamb to die for our sins on the cross. He was human. He was not God, but the Son of God.

God wants us to live a life of love. He wants us to love one another. He wants our love to be uncomfortable. He wants us out of our comfort zone. He wants our love to be extreme. He wants our love to be a sacrifice and an offering.

I don't know what Paul's financial situation was, but to me, what he did was an extreme. There John was, asking Paul for help, and Paul cleaned out his wallet. Would you clean out your wallet for somebody you didn't know?

It's Not Enough

It's now two days past Christmas. Another Christmas in a string of Christmases spent in being single. It's the same for several of my other friends, but especially for one who has just gone through a break up in her relationship. I didn't know what to say to her. It was the same for those that are waiting for God to bless them with the intimate relationships that they desire. I just didn't know what to say to them. Everything that I could think of seemed so shallow. It wasn't enough.

When I think about my situation, I want so deeply to buy into what I've been told in my favorite Scripture. In Hebrews 13:5, God says, "Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you." He's telling me He is always with me. He's telling me that I am not alone. He's telling me that I have a relationship and companionship with Him. I want so badly to believe this. But there is one thing that keeps me from believing this one hundred percent. I can't physically touch God. Unless this happens, I can't believe it one hundred percent. Reading and believing this Scripture is not enough.

I know God loves me and my friends. I know He hears each of the prayers that we lift up to Him regarding our relationship status. I know He grieves with us for the pain in our hearts and for what is lacking in our lives. I know He wants to bless us with the relationships that we desire. I know that He does not want us to go through life single. My faith helps me to believe all of this. It's just not enough.

I want an intimate relationship with a woman here and now. I want to sense the scent of a woman. I want to feel her soft hands in mine. I want to feel the warm embrace of the woman that loves me unconditionally for who I am. I want to hear the soft, alto voice of the woman who believes in a loving God as I do. I want to hear the uplifting, joyous laugh of the woman that will enjoy each humorous moment that we can share together. I want to feel her soft kiss on my lips. I want to look deeply into her eyes and share her joys and sorrows. Until this happens, it's just not enough.