by Desiree Bustamante

Making room in tiny hearts to love large.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”
1 Peter 4: 7-11 New International Version

This tiny cabin, in the mountains, was inhabited during the silver mining days in Colorado. Although it provided shelter, by today’s standards it’s confining for a family home. While most of us live in larger spaces than this cabin, there is a trend of tiny home living. Some people want financial freedom, or to travel across the country to see new places. Some want to move to the mountains, or the country, to escape people and crowded city life.

In our world today, with all its evil and sadness, it’s understandable that we want to withdraw from those who do not believe as we do. We may be tired of the abuse of our Christian faith, weary of the pain and suffering caused by hate in the world, or we feel powerless to do anything about injustice.

It’s easy for our hearts to become tiny. We long to hide from all the misery.

Even though it can be the most difficult thing we do, God asks us to expand our fearful hearts to be large with love toward others…those who believe with us and those who don’t. He asks us to pray for each other, and use our God-given gifts as a witness to His love and sovereignty. Fortunately, we do not have to love by our own strength. Our Lord gives us His power to love, because He is love.

“Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart.”
1 Peter 1:22 New International Version

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado