Love Heals

Recently, I developed a muscle spasm in my neck. It was very painful and limiting. Shortly after it happened, I walked into the kitchen and saw my husband doing the tasks that I usually do and enjoy. I didn’t ask, he just quietly stepped in to help me. As I stood there watching him, I was filled with gratitude and comfort. I felt the burden lifting. Love heals.

God told us that in this world we would have trouble (John 16:33). Each day we face trials. Sometimes our challenges are minor and last briefly, but some challenges are more painful and last much longer. Either way, when we rely on God, he promises to give us the grace that we need for every difficult circumstance (2 Corinthians 12:9). Sometimes he gives us this grace by removing the difficulty. Other times, he gives us sustaining grace by providing strength so that we can endure for as long as the difficulty lasts.

Strength comes in many forms. Sometimes he gives us perseverance to not give up. Many times, God provides strength by directing his children to be vessels of his grace (2 Timothy 2:21). Acts of love given at just the right time give us sustaining grace. When I think of the times that I thought, “My foot slips,” and God used others to demonstrate his steadfast love, I think of friends and family compassionately stepping in to help when I needed it most. I think of loved ones being present to hug and weep with me. I think of friends and family faithfully praying day after day and sending prayers of encouragement.

Steadfast love is deep, unwavering, loyal, and enduring through all circumstances. When we have the opportunity to be vessels of God‘s steadfast love, we get to take part in consoling others as described in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”

Compassion is always the right response to suffering. Expressing love this way fosters safety, lowers stress and soothes the nervous system. Love heals.

Father God, thank you that your steadfast love never ceases and your mercies never come to an end. Thank you for your sustaining grace during difficult times. Help me see and act on opportunities to be a vessel of your steadfast love and healing. May I do as Proverbs 3:3 says, “Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart.”

Throughout this day - Abide in Jesus so that you will be empowered by the Holy Spirit to respond to suffering with compassion. Be a vessel of God’s healing love.

Listen to this inspirational song:
Brandon Heath - Give Me Your Eyes (Official Video)