Remember the Christian slogan presenting Jesus as the Real Thing – that may be our experience. But for many knowing Jesus as the real thing is an illusive myth.
Many people don’t believe they have a choice, settling for second best, rather than the real thing. Lack of money, the dregs all their life, hand me downs, left over or no time, poor food, little affection and attention, even betrayal and abuse.
So the hope of finding the real thing in life becomes a lifelong search, looking here, there, anywhere for something, someone to rely on, to meet the longings for relationship…
Nevertheless God has planted in every human being the need for relationship, with God and with others, the need for deep connection, belonging in community, genuine and real relationships.
Relationships with others may become the way to discovering the real Jesus. A friend described to me the support and encouragement of an elderly woman who eventually invited her to her Church. She hesitantly thought she would give it a go, and was delighted on the first Sunday being surrounded by caring elderly people who are “like grandparents”. The authentic love and care, genuine interest and support are helping her discover God’s love and care.
There are no imitations for love-it either is or isn’t. People know when it’s the real thing, genuine quality, accepting and understanding, expressing dignity and respect. Real love is God with skin on. That’s the reason Jesus came to be the real thing!
Connect with a new person in your life. You may well discover Jesus in the other person, and they may well discover Jesus in you!
Grace and peace,
Julie Simpson,
Executive Officer, CareWorks
Julie Simpson,
Executive Officer, CareWorks
0 comments:
Post a Comment