Fearless Love
Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
I John 4:8
Princess Diana of Wales was not only one of the most popular individuals of all time, but she was also the most photographed. So many of those pictures display the beloved “royal” in all her winsomeness and beauty.
However, there is one image that, to my way of thinking, is the most unforgettable of all. At first glance, the captured scene looks mundane. Smiling warmly, the princess is shaking the hand of an unidentified man. But it’s the story behind the photograph that makes it remarkable.
On April 19, 1987, when Diana visited the London Middlesex Hospital, the United Kingdom was engulfed in a wave of panic as it was confronted by the AIDS epidemic. Not knowing how the disease – which often killed with terrifying speed and horrific suffering – was spread, the public typically treated AIDS victims like modern-day lepers.
So, it was a stunning moment when Diana, with ungloved hands and a genuine smile, calmly shook an AIDS patient’s hand that day. That image of fearless love, respect, and kindness would reverberate around the globe. And it would move the world to treat the victims of that dreaded disease with similar mercy and compassion.
The Love of the King
That picture reminds me of something I often forget: freely and generously offering the love of Jesus to others is unforgettable. The Apostle John reminded the early believers in Christ that love was the single greatest sign of knowing God.
Freely and generously offering the love of Jesus to others is unforgettable.
One has to wonder if John remembered the love that Jesus displayed on multiple occasions when He reached out and touched the lepers of His day. Or when He showed grace to a prostitute. Or when He dined with a tax collector.
Interestingly, Jesus took those actions before any of them became one of His followers. Love flowed out of Him not because they deserved it, but because it was part of His nature.
Love flowed out of Jesus not because they deserved it, but because it was part of His nature.
So, here’s the question. Where is it that you hesitate to demonstrate love? Who is it that you shy away from showing kindness to? When are you most tempted to let fear stifle your acceptance of others?
“But,” we protest, “what will people think? What conclusions might they jump to?”
Yet if the holy Son of God wasn’t concerned about casting a shadow on His reputation by demonstrating fearless love, should we? Perhaps we should remember the example set by the Princess…and by our King.
If the holy Son of God wasn’t concerned about casting a shadow on His reputation by demonstrating fearless love, should we?
PRAYER
Lord, I have to admit that there are those who I treat as “off limits” when it comes to love. For one thing, their behavior troubles me. For another, I am worried that I will be identified as one of them. Remind me anew of how fearless love is always in fashion.
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