Read: John 13:33–35
Bible in a Year: 2 Chronicles 19–20; John 13:21–38
Many proclaim themselves loyal, but who can find one worthy of trust? Proverbs 20:6 nrsv
“I just can’t trust anyone,” my friend said through tears. “Every
time I do, they hurt me.” Her story angered me—an ex-boyfriend, whom
she really thought she could trust, had started spreading rumors about
her as soon as they broke up. Struggling to trust again after a
pain-filled childhood, this betrayal seemed just one more confirmation
that people could not be trusted.
I struggled to find words that would comfort. One thing I could not
say was that she was wrong about how hard it is to find someone to
fully trust, that most people are completely kind and trustworthy. Her
story was painfully familiar, reminding me of moments of unexpected
betrayal in my own life. In fact, Scripture is very candid about human
nature. In Proverbs 20:6, the author voices the same lament as my
friend, forever memorializing the pain of betrayal.
What I could say is that the
cruelty of others is only part of the story. Although wounds from others
are real and painful, Jesus has made genuine love possible. In John
13:35, Jesus told His disciples that the world would know they were His
followers because of their love. Although some people may still hurt us,
because of Jesus there will also always be those who, freely sharing
His love, will unconditionally support and care for us. Resting in His
unfailing love, may we find healing, community, and courage to love
others as He did.
Jesus has made true love possible.
© 2017 Our Daily Bread Ministries
No comments:
Post a Comment