One of the prerequisites of “speaking the truth in love” to someone is RELATIONSHIP. Although you do not always have to have a relationship with someone to be truthful, it sure helps for them to know that you LOVE them first! That’s what we strive to do at TIL – love people! Loving people is an expression of our love for God and He is love!
Several years ago, one of my best friends and mentors said a powerful statement to me in a moment when I was doubting God’s call on my life: “Just go and love people. That’s what you do best! You’re an encourager.” I’ve never forgotten it because it is true. I think about that statement whenever I can’t get to the right verse in the Bible or get the “right” words out…in those moments, I just try to show the love of Christ to people. I try to be a “Barnabas” which means “son of encouragement.”
Let me encourage you today: God uses us in our imperfect, weak state to do His mighty work. The Holy Spirit works through us to minister His love to others! You may not be able to come up with the “right” words but you can always be “kind, tenderhearted, & forgiving to others as God in Christ has forgiven you (Eph. 4:32).”
I love serving in this ministry because it is primarily about LOVE. We are doing our best to love God and our neighbors regardless of the circumstances, our feelings, etc. We just try to love and encourage hurting souls. Even our office manager who makes appointments will pray and encourage others on the phone!
1 John tells us that “God is love” – so must we be, also!
-Mark (loved by our Lord Jesus Christ)