That’s What Love Looks Like
I hadn’t planned on such a long day at work. I walked across the dark parking lot to my truck an hour after all of my co-workers had gone home. I was beat.
But here I was, pointing my truck in the direction of the grocery store and rummaging through my purse for my grocery list – which was a long one. I texted my husband to let him know that I was probably a good two hours away from coming home.
The store was fairly busy for a weekday evening. I gave myself a pep talk, pulled up my big girl panties (can I say that?), and grabbed a cart. I was so ready to be done, and I hadn’t even started yet.
I had been checking off items from my list as I added them to the cart for about half an hour when I looked up and saw my honey walking up the aisle toward me. The surprise of it caught me off guard, and my heart fluttered just like it used to do back in my high school days (which was a good ways back). I felt myself blushing. He smiled and asked, “What can I help you with?”
He proceeded to navigate through the store, picking up a few items and depositing them in the cart, checking the list, and then venturing out to grab a few more items until the entire list was knocked out. Before we knew it, the job was done, and we were on our way home. I sure was grateful for my surprise shopping buddy!
I’ve thought about that evening so many times, and I always land on the same conclusion: “That’s what love looks like.” Scott didn’t have to come and help me. Tired though I was, I was going to get the shopping done. But he dropped whatever he had been doing at home to show up, shore me up, and fill up that cart. I’ve often wondered why I was so surprised. Even though I wasn’t expecting to see him strolling up Aisle 9, it was just like him to sacrifice his time to make my life a little easier. He went the distance to serve and care for me because that’s what love looks like.
I’m looking forward to another surprise. Although I have no idea when it’s coming, it’s been promised so I’m waiting expectantly. The Bible says that Jesus will return one day, and everyone will be surprised. His followers will have been looking forward anxiously to His return, and they’ll rejoice to finally see this precious promise fulfilled!
In Revelation 1:7, John describes the return of Jesus like this: “Look, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of Him. So shall it be! Amen.”
Jesus didn’t have to come and rescue us from the consequences of our sin, but He willingly sacrificed Himself to bring us life. That’s what love looks like. He’ll one day surprise the world with His return. Those who’ve committed their hearts and lives to Him will rejoice and go to live with Him forever. But the Bible is also clear about the futures of those who choose to reject Him. They’ll mourn and receive what they desire – an eternity devoid of anything having to do with the goodness of God.
The Bible is also clear that God’s desire is that all will be saved. Every day, we draw nearer to Jesus’ return. Will that day be a day of rejoicing or mourning for you? Today, Jesus pleads with you to allow Him to gather you into His family, “as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings.” (Matthew 23:27) Today is the day of salvation for those who believe.
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“The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” – 2 Peter 3:9
“Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” – John 1:12
“…If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” – Romans 10:9
“…As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways!...” – Ezekiel 33:11
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16
“Or do you show contempt for the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you toward repentance?” – Romans 2:4
“(God our Savior) wants all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” – 1 Timothy 2:4
“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8
