“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.  By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-55

In recent months, the truth about love found in John 13 has come alive and proven true in innumerable ways.  Most often, when thinking about my family and church community,  this verse is undoubtedly at the forefront of my mind, both prior to my departure and now here in Central Asia.  The love and support that has been lavished upon me throughout this entire journey thus far, has been overwhelming and birthed such thankfulness in my heart.  Day after day, there has been selfless love extended to me, resulting in a greater love for Christ in my own life.  However, the more exciting part has been being able to share with others the specific acts of love and thoughtfulness that have been extended to me, which ultimately points others to Christ and brings Him glory.   By God’s grace, the Good News has been shared with many different people, often after I have told them about stories such as my church family showing up at my house with Starbucks to help me move, or how my church family helped arranged my house getting rented, or how my church family held an evening of support for me, or how my church family has written encouragement notes/emails and fervently prayed, or how my church family would so tenderly draw near and listen in my moments of doubt or fear, or how my church family has given so generously to this mission, or how my church family helped set up this website, and the list goes on.   Bottom line, people hear about this love between us disciples and then ask about this love, and the only answer I can give them is Jesus Christ, because that is the truth.

Closely related, I believe, to this beauty and importance of loving others, is the beauty found in having a kind disposition.

“When she rose to glean, Boaz instructed his young men, saying, “Let her glean even among the sheaves, and do not reproach her. And also pull out some from the bundles for her and leave it for her to glean, and do not rebuke her.” Ruth 2: 15-16

I have grown to love the simplicity of the word, but its very simplicity caused me to often skim over it in scripture.  Earlier this year, after reading through the book of Ruth, and through conversations with a dear friend, my eyes and heart have been drawn to areas in scripture where God’s kindness is described.  I loved learning how Boaz’s kindness goes beyond the requirement of the law (Ruth 2:15-16), and how this very kindness within Boaz clearly displayed the kindness of God’s character. It has also opened by eyes to see when others around me are kind, in fact, often “kinder than necessary”.  I love witnessing a kind heart in action, especially when it goes above and beyond the general expectation, and genuinely smiling while doing so.  I have also learned that kindness towards others is evidence that we have extended forgiveness to those who have wronged us, as illustrated in the story of Joseph.  I love the inner disposition of a kind person, which is created by the Holy Spirit, resulting in them being sensitive and aware of the needs of others.   It is my desire to grow in the grace of kindness, where I expand beyond thinking about myself and continue developing a genuine interest in the happiness and well-being of those around me.  

Perhaps all of the above may seem overly simplistic, but it has encouraged my heart, brought me closer to Christ, and opened my eyes to the love and kindness which has been extended to me. I am so incredibly thankful for how generous, kind, and loving so many of you have been, and please know, this kindness and generosity you have extended brings me back to the cross, humbles me, and causes my heart to worship our God. But it does not stop there. This love and kindness we (disciples) extend to one another draws others to Christ, as He is the perfect example of selfless love and perfect kindness.   Our love for one another ought to be radically different from the love the world has to offer, and lead others to question this love seen between Christians and within the church. It may cost us our time or resources in loving others well and extending kindness to them, but if it results in others coming to know Christ, then it is absolutely worth it.   He has loved us perfectly, and I am very grateful for how so many dear friends and family have lived out the truth of John 13 and have loved me so well, even now being many miles away.

“Your name is great and Your heart is kind” – Matt Redman (10,000 Reasons)