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“Do you see what this means — all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running — and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed — that exhilarating finish in and with God — he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!”

– Hebrews 12:1-3, MSG

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I am an early bird. I go to sleep early and I wake up early. So when my daughter asked me to drive to her Christian college for a late-night improv showcase, I was a bit hesitant. You want me to give up my precious sleep? I thought.

Off I went at 9 p.m. for this production and back I came after 11. It was worth it! I laughed hard. My daughter was blessed. I’m glad I went out of my way.

Another time, a visitor sat near me at a large community group. She smelled strongly of smoke. My nose itched and my throat felt funny. I judged her.

Because of my discomfort, I was not eager to go out of my way to love her. The next week I saw her again. I purposely sat with her and she began to share from her life – difficult, painful things. And this listening, even amid my own discomfort, became love – love in the way God calls me to love. The going-out-of-your-way kind of love.

How does Christ prepare us to show His going-out-of-your-way love? What does this kind of sacrificial, you-are-worth-it kind of love do for someone desperate to be loved, to feel she has value, to know her look (or smell) does not define her? I want to be more like Christ in this.

At our outreach events, we hand out booklets, a Speaker shares the Gospel, and we show hospitality by presenting beautiful tables. These are displays of God love. But let’s fill in the gaps between events. How about we take this a step further and be so sensitive to the Holy Spirit that after the event, the study, or church, we find ways to exhibit going-out-of-your-way love?

This type of love means waiting and listening. Waiting love listens to the Holy Spirit for the right moment to share or offer a helping hand. It’s not easy. We are eager to suggest and speak the truth. Waiting and listening give us the space and sensitivity to know what is needed and when.

When we follow Christ’s example at the right time and in the right way, our going-out-of-your-way love becomes His love to others.

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Cheryl Lee Davis
Vice President of Women’s Connection

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