The deep, deep love of Jesus

Last night I finished reading a book, a diary written by a nurse who served in a field hospital in the middle east. I cried through most of it, partly for the people suffering from horrific war injuries and partly for the joy of how God was in their midst. Scripture tells of God blessing His people in times of trouble. This nurse describes His presence in the absolute worst conditions and His touch on the lives of medical personnel, the injured, those dying — men, women, children, babies, including even members of the enemy forces responsible for the carnage. She learned about the love of God through His people and the reality of loving enemies even as their drones dropped bombs.

When I read of Paul’s life and work, can I read between the lines? Would more detail tell me the sufferings that made him and the early Christians strong in faith so they survived horrid treatment at the hand of their enemies? Do most of us who live comfortable lives have any idea about the length and breadth and depth of the love of God, not only for ourselves but for those who hate us?

On his second missionary journey, Paul and his companions arrived in Thessalonica, the capital of Macedonia. Things went well until jealous Jews raised a cry against them, charging them with acts “contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus” (Acts 17:7). The believers sent Paul and Silas from that city to Berea.

During his travels, Paul did not forget the Christians in Thessalonica. He wrote to them when he found out they were being persecuted since his departure. He wanted to go see them, but that plan did not happen:

But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us. (1 Thessalonians 2:17–18)

Instead, they sent Timothy who brought back the good news that even though they were afflicted, their faith held:

But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you— for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord. For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith? Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. (1 Thessalonians 3:6–13)

The church in Thessalonica wanted Jesus to return, however they feared they had missed this great event. Assurance that was not true was part of Paul’s reason for writing, but another part was to encourage them in their walk with the Lord. They were doing well and he wanted them to continue. His love for them is evident and a reflection of God’s love.

^^^^^^^^^^^

Jesus, As I put the nurse’s diary alongside these two New Testament letters, I have even greater compassion for those who suffer for their faith, and for those who suffer period. I’m thinking of how You are the hiding place for all who are persecuted, ill-treated and troubled. You love humanity with a love that I scarcely understand, a love that I should also demonstrate to those I consider the worst of sinners. This nurse makes me realize that You not only cry for victims but also perpetrators. Your kind eyes glisten with tears for those who are deeply caught in sin — sin that drives them to destroy innocents and laugh. Your heart is broken at what breaks my heart yet it is also broken for those who seem to have no heart. Oh God, I know I fall short and cannot claim to love as You love. Forgive me and fill me that I might be more like You. Amen.