July 16

“But you, dear friends, carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the centre of God’s love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real life!” Jude 1:20-21 (MSG)

Our broken hearts, so often pierced and bruised may teach us to keep our arms wrapped tightly around ourselves, pulling us in, and pushing others away.  And yet here is this God of ours, beckoning us instead to stretch our arms wide—waiting, expecting, and ready

But ready for what, we may protectively ask? To be hurt again; experience more pain; a deeper grief, sorrow or shame?  No, precious one, the good news is, with Jesus as our Saviour and Friend, it could never be so.   Rather this is what He calls us to—mercy overflowing, love everlasting, and radical grace in an unceasing flow!  All designed to heal our hearts and put the broken pieces together again, in the most masterful and marvellous ways.  With great confidence then we can keep our arms open for love—the real life kind of love that sees, knows, and understands.  A devoted love, from the One Who is love.  A love that never fails. 

We can be ready, just as the Scripture says, for Jesus to come, with healing in His wings. Oh yes beloved, this is the abundant life that He has promised!  So arms up dear one, ready to receive! You can trust Him, bravest heart.  It is good, this life of redeeming love, and goodness unending for you.