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Open Heart
While recently attending my daughters’ ballet recital, I was enthralled. The theme of the production and lyrics of the songs were from God’s word (Luke 10:27): “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind.” The young girls dressed in their adorable tutus, danced, twirled, and beautifully worshiped God as the music played. The words and tune of the song became ingrained in my memory! Later that week I was singing and meditating on that particular verse. I kept wondering, “How can I love you God with all that I am?” I know one can’t truly love God without loving his people. And honestly, sometimes struggle at loving the people He’s placed in my path. It seemed like such a tall order. Where do I start? Immediately, God dropped a word into my heart He said to me, “By serving Me and others with the gifts and talents I’ve given you.”
This reminded me of when I first started serving in ministry. I could appreciate other people’s calling and gifts, but mine? Some could sing and lead worship, some could captivate an audience and preach, and some had the ability to teach the Word. I, on the other hand had the gift of friendship. Whoopee, a world changer! I wanted a “real” gift. What special talent did God give me? I can’t sing…outside of leading little kids (who in my opinion would have to be tone deaf). I was discouraged and wanted a “big” gift. After spending some time with God and praising Him with thankfulness, He gently placed into my memory, James 1:17 “ Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” God doesn’t give bad gifts, or in my case, useless ones!
Hmmm…You mean to tell me a hug or a smile can make a difference? Is the ability to make friends easily and making others comfortable a real bona fide gift? I had discounted this gift to just a personality trait. I eventually realized this ability could be used by God to build His kingdom, but I would have to trust Him. Little by little God continued to reveal Himself to me. God told me, “It is not you they are attracted to but ME in you. Be My representative, open your heart to others as I have opened My heart to you. Love unconditionally without gain for yourself and it will set you free.”
The thought of setting myself free lingered for days…what do I need freedom from? Where do I start? What do I do? God reminded me of Luke 6:35 “But love, do good, and lend hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be the sons of the most high.” I have always loved people but deep down inside I expected something in return. I would do things for others but would get hurt if there was no reciprocity. In a way, I didn’t trust God enough to take care of me. I didn’t have the love of Luke 6…but I desperately wanted it!
Love God with all my heart, soul, strength and mind and love others; it all sounded simple but it wasn’t easy. I had to meditate on His word daily and break free from my old ways of thinking. I had to open my heart so God could heal and mold it. I reminded myself of how God gave us love unconditionally through His son Jesus. And He reminded me of His love for me in big and little ways every day. It was definitely a process but He gave me many opportunities to put this new idea of selfless love into practice. The more I did it, the more true joy I received because I was free from wanting anything in return! I was becoming a God pleaser and He would be my rewarder.
Today, my husband and I immensely enjoy serving God’s people with friendship and community. We break bread often with different groups and receive so much joy it doesn’t seem like we are blessing others at all; we are the ones being blessed. John 13:35 “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love on another.” A friend recently prayed over me and said, “You love because you are loved. Love from Me (God) pours out from heaven into you so you can pour out your love to my people.” I want to give because God has given greatly to me.
What has God done for you? What gift has He given you? There are no big or small gifts, just perfect ones. Use every gift all for His glory. Love with no boundaries, unconditionally and often. Be a generous giver! People who are genuinely happy are the ones who can give freely without wanting something in return. Only God can give us this “open heart.” The more we delight in God’s word, the more of His desires He places in us. Psalm 37:4 “Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.” I believe God wants to do a miracle in all of us and place HIS desire in our hearts to change us; to change the world! Be a world changer with your gifts, your talents and your love. My family and I changed our world and opened up our home. But God did the miracle; He opened up our hearts to love…unconditionally. Now that is real freedom!
(c) 2008 Thuy Batts
