COMPASSION –

And today I wonder. Does all this fussing about rebuilding Living room come from my will and not God’s at all? Am I trying to push my own will, in memory of how good the experience of Living Room used to be? Is it because of the Holy Joy I always felt after meetings? Of how I felt Jesus speaking through me? Is it all about me?

But my writings have been doing similar things. I can tell by how people respond. I can tell by how my heart moves within me as I write those devotionals—hopefully bringing Christ’s heart to the people who need to experience his love and kindness.

And truly. When I read some of those writings later, I don’t know where they’ve come from. And I know they could not have come from me alone. They must have come through the heart of Christ that lives within me, especially during times of pain—pain that I know you deal with as well.

Perhaps God just wants me to write, instead of fighting so hard against the injustices I see in the world. I do know one thing: I want to follow Jesus and all he shows himself to be for us.

I wrote the following, imagining a Living Room meeting with Jesus himself being the facilitator. How wonderful such a meeting would be if a facilitator could bring such a heart to their group! How healing to everyone there!

For you who don’t understand what Living Room is and what it offers I will soon describe and show how it can offer spiritual support to those living with mental health challenges – support so very important to our well-being.

JESUS AND HIS HEART – WITH US

Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”

Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

Luke 5:29-32

Jesus showed how God thinks about people—even sinners. God did not consider them worthless. Despite their wrongdoings they were important to him.

Lately I’ve been imagining myself at that table with Jesus and the other guests. Although I know about God’s love, I would welcome feeling it come closer. Jesus brings God close.

What would his voice sound like? What kind of smile? I’m sure he would have a warm, sincere demeanor. Easy to talk with.

I believe Jesus would be interested to hear from all the guests. With kindness he draws us out, encouraging us to tell our stories, helping us know we count. What would we tell him and the others? What would we ask?

Jesus gives encouragement to those who need more strength—those who are unsure of themselves. He gives comfort to those who are hurting. All who are present are touched by his love.

Those with disabilities who have been ostracized come to see that Jesus pays no attention to labels. He looks past their illnesses, valuing them as people. He’s only interested in what they have in their hearts.

And they find God’s love there.

marja