Look with Love
Sitting at the table, coffee with a friend.
We share our hearts, it’s an easy conversation.
Listening to each other’s stories and struggles.
Thankful for the kindness, grace, and love offered.
I thumb to the book of Mark in my Bible, chapter 10.
Here, a rich young man kneels before Jesus.
And asks, “How can I inherit eternal life?”
Jesus reminds him to follow the commandments.
The man states he has kept all of these.
And then, in the middle of the conversation
There is a noticeable pause, a temporary stop.
And Jesus … looking at him … loved him.
Do you feel the significance of Jesus’ gaze?
He heard the young man’s reply.
He knew the young man’s heart.
Looking deeply into his eyes, Jesus loved him.
Jesus says there is one thing he must do.
Give up all your possessions. Turn away from your earthly treasures.
Come, follow Jesus. Give Him first place in your heart.
And with great sadness, the young man turned and walked away.
And as Jesus was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’” And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.” And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
- Mark 10:17-22
Head to Heart
Later, my friend sent this text to me, “Jesus really LOOKS at us with LOVE, and He gives us a choice.” Reflecting on these verses, my heart is stirred to recognize Jesus’ love for me. His eyes look at me with deep, genuine love. He knows all about me, and He loves me. Let’s open our hearts and receive the love and acceptance He freely offers.
When I read these verses, my heart softens at Jesus’ response to others. I want my eyes to be more like His eyes. Do I look at others with love? Lord, open my heart and help me offer more kindness, love, and compassion to the people You bring into my life daily.
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