To Live and Love Unafraid

Today is Palm Sunday. This is a week of reflection, repentance, and great joy! As believers in Jesus Christ, we remember Christ's sacrifice for us on the cross this week, yet it is also a time of rejoicing. Jesus died, was buried, and then rose again three days later. He defeated sin and death on the cross. He made a way for us to have a restored relationship with our Heavenly Father.

As I sat in my office today, I opened my journal and "just happened" to turn to an entry from earlier this year that really hit home. You see, I had just had a conversation with a new friend about the desire to find someone to share life with, yet the fear of putting myself out there and just maybe getting it wrong. In some ways, it seems too risky, yet what about the great reward of loving another? Now, can I honestly say that if the Lord wishes for me to remain single, am I willing to do so? Yes, He knows the desires of my heart, but I trust Him with what is best.

The fear of rejection is a harsh task master. Always seeking approval, constantly changing, hoping for acceptance. We look for it in friendships. We look for it in "the one". We strive to please those in authority. On the other hand, maybe we rebel, we push away first, so we won't be hurt. We reject others so they can't reject us. We hide our shame, very rarely allowing ourselves to be vulnerable and real. You see, it's too risky. What if others find us unlovable? What if they judge us in our brokenness? We show our best and hide our worst. We pretend in public to hide what is all too real in private.

What about God, the Creator of all things? Do we believe what He says, that we are "fearfully and wonderfully made"? Can we trust that He sees us for who we are and chooses to love us anyway? Do we believe that He knew us before the foundation of the world, and He chose to have a relationship with us? You see, He knows us...He knows you. He knew every poor choice, every mistake, and chose us anyway. He knows the real you that hides in the shadows. He calls you into the light of His truth, love, and grace. His love is an everlasting love, a love that is never earned, yet freely given. He loves us not because of who we are, but because we are His.

Opening yourself up to another person takes courage and a little bit of faith. It requires vulnerability and honesty. It can lead to something precious or end up as a valuable lesson. Nothing is ever wasted, and God uses it all to strengthen us and shape our character. The question is, if we are willing to take the risk of loving another human being who may disappoint us, are we willing to trust in the love of the One who made us?

Let me close today by sharing a few passages to encourage you and remind you of God's love for His people:

"Thus says the LORD: 'The people who survived the sword found grace in the wilderness; when Israel sought for rest, the LORD appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.' " - Jeremiah 31:2-3

"The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." - Lamentations 3:22-23

"Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!" - Psalm 118:1

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." - Joshua 1:9

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.