“… ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” —Matthew 22:37-40 NIV

Loving well—like Jesus—is an aspiration of mine. I know the love of Christ is in me, so I am equipped. But I also know I have old ways of coping that keep me from following through practically and showing up the same way Jesus would. Like Paul, I do the things I don’t want to do and don’t do the things I do want to do. Mercifully, my friends and family have an abundance of grace!

When my kids were in pain, whether it was a fractured wrist, a broken femur, or just a scraped knee, I was always uncomfortable when comforting them. I have never, ever been good at “being there.” I did it because they needed me to be there, but I wanted to run and hide until their pain subsided. At some point in my childhood, I had learned that retreating was less painful. Hiding and pretending became my safe place. But God, in His mercy, showed me in His Word what it looks like to love. Therefore, even though it’s hard to endure the painful life circumstances of others, I do it anyway.

In light of this, God placed me in a ministry that demanded being present amid pain—the pain of others. Ironic? You may think so, but I know God’s strength shines through despite my weakness. For over a decade, God exposed me to emotional pain so that I would no longer be afraid to go there. He allowed me (and others) to open wounds in a safe place for healing. This required showing up, listening, empathizing, and being willing to share my struggles as well.

Recently, though, I have felt like an imposter. Since that season of ministry has ended, I no longer “have to” enter the pain of others, and I am out of practice. Once again, I want to retreat like a startled turtle when I hear someone is struggling. Yes, I care. Yes, I pray. But the love of Jesus compels us to action, not retreat.

He enters into the lives of individuals regardless of the pain, turmoil, suffering, or joy. He was present for weddings, funerals, and everything in between. I know people who do this well: They love like Jesus loves. They are exceptionally gifted at understanding the needs of those around them: a meal, a hug, a house cleaning. (My first impulse is to pray for someone else to intervene!)

Yet, I do truly know that Jesus is all we need. Where I fail, He will never fail. Where I am unfaithful, He is faithful. Where I am powerless, He is all-powerful. Jesus is with each of us in our joys and our sorrows. He is the comforter of all His children. Now, before you think you have a pass, too, I am not excusing my tendency to avoid pain but acknowledging Jesus’ perfection. As we plan to move south to Florida, I feel God is preparing me for another season of serving those who are hurting, especially during hurricane season. Because He lives in me, I live to serve Him. This will be a stretch. Beyond emotional wounds, there will be some absolute devastation. But God will be there to pick up the pieces and offer eternal life to those who have lost hope. He is love. His love is perfect, and love never fails.

Father, I pray for the courage to enter the lives of others, especially when they are bruised and beaten. Use me as a beacon of hope to point to our only Hope. Remove the barriers that keep me from loving like Jesus. Amen.

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. —Romans 8:18 NIV

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and
peace in believing, that you may abound in hope
by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13 NJKV).

Marlene McKenna

Sweet Selah Ministries 

Vision
To inspire a movement away from the belief that “busy is better”
and toward the truth of God’s Word that stillness and knowing
Him matter most—and will be reflected in more effective work and service

Mission
To offer biblical resources and retreats that help women pause (Selah)
and love God more deeply as they know Him more intimately (Sweet)

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