My dear friends, if you know people who have wandered off from God’s truth, don’t write them off. Go after them. James 5:19 Message
There is something about the way Eugene Peterson words this verse that speaks to me.
Don’t write them off…go after them
My heart does a little dance when I think about this kind of intense pursuit. It’s the kind of love that says, I will fight for you. You are worth it!
Deep down, isn’t this the kind of love we all want to discover?
We want a love that chooses us.
We want a love that will stand in our corner and defend us.
We want a love that chases after us.
We want a love that comes to our side when we feel like we are facing an unending battle.
We want to hear that reassuring voice tell us that…it’s going to be okay…it is not hopeless.
When I read this translation in James today, I immediately thought of the lyrics to “One Thing Remains”.
Your love never fails, never gives up, it never runs out on me.
Today, I am especially thankful for the depth of God’s love. I am thankful that He doesn’t write us off. I am thankful that He continues to pursue us no matter how much we resist Him…or how often we stumble and fall. I am thankful for His perfect example of how to love others in our lives.
Who are you tempted to write off today? Who are you letting walk away?
Your love never fails, never gives up, it never runs out on me.
God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.
Ephesians 3:20-21 Msg
Linking up with Tracy today for Winsome Wednesday.
This is one great song! On a CD of standouts, this one stands out. I love the truth it contains. Have a blessed Thanksgiving Eileen. I am thankful for your online “friendship.”
Yes, beautiful song! Glad our paths have crossed too, Bill. Have a beautiful Thanksgiving!
I am so thankful He didn’t write us off…and we have the cross to remind us everyday!
Yes we do. Thanks, Kelli! Hope you and your family have a beautiful Thanksgiving!
Thanks for writing this, Eileen. I plan to spend Thanksgiving today walking in the woods and I know what you’ve written will be on my mind all day. Hope you guys enjoy today…happy Thanksgiving.
Thank you, Mike. We had a good Thanksgiving. Hope you enjoyed that walk in the woods. Definitely the perfect time of year for that.
Eileen, this is so good.. I have given up on people, I admit. I lost hope because of their sin, their ugliness, their unrepentance.
But the problem is if God used that same logic, would become of me?
I’ve been there too, David. But you are right, I am so thankful God continued and continues to give me chance after chance.