February 10
Scripture: 1 John 3:17
Source author: Kathleen Kohler
February 10
When Love Isn’t Easy If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person? —1 John 3:17
Daddy has no food at his house,” our seven-year-old granddaughter confided. We were heartbroken over our daughter’s divorce, so we wondered if God really expected us to reach into our pockets to help our former son-in-law. Our stretched finances already helped to support our daughter and three grandchildren. My husband and I wrestled between anger and following God’s Word. We took our emotional bundles before the Lord. As we prayed, God’s love seeped through the barrier of resentment and enabled us to reach beyond our pain to show compassion. We purchased a grocery store gift card and drove straight to his house. There was an awkward moment of silence when he opened the door. My husband handed him the gift card. A bewildered look crossed his face. “One of the kids said you needed food.” Tears dripped down his cheeks. I wrapped my arms around him. “We still care about you.” It’s far from the ideal family picture I had in mind on our daughter’s wedding day, but God’s love and three precious
children bind us together.
God’s love compels us beyond bitter heartaches that we might show genuine compassion. — Kathleen Kohler —