Love is a 2-Way Street

Have you ever been in a relationship where you put forth all the effort?

The other person asks, needs, wants our help, our attention, our love. We give our comfort, support, time and energy.

At first, we can be lured into thinking we are important and needed. But after a while, we feel empty and depleted. We are driving on a 1-way street.

I am going to turn the tables here, so hold on tight.

Are you “that” person to Jesus? (breathe in…breathe out……I am talking to myself, too)

How often do we sit before the Lord and word barf all our worries, fears, and anxieties? Then we run away feeling better because we got to vent it all out. We can do the same with our excitement, pride and gratefulness, too. Then we give Him a virtual high five and skip off to the next adventure.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I know that He loves for us to come to Him in prayer and petition, with thanksgiving. He tells us so in Philippians 4:6-7. Jesus also tells us to “Love the Lord with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37

But that love isn’t a 1-way, dead end feeling. God’s love for us is life giving and soul seeing. In Psalms 139, David describes it this way:

You have searched me, Lord,
    and you know me.
 You know when I sit and when I rise;
    you perceive my thoughts from afar.
 You discern my going out and my lying down;
    you are familiar with all my ways.
 Before a word is on my tongue
    you, Lord, know it completely.
 You hem me in behind and before,
    and you lay your hand upon me.

Our part of the equation is to search His heart and find out what He desires. To defend His honor just like He defends ours. To meet with Him in quiet, meaning moments just to simply enjoy His presence.

I was challenged through something I read the other day that asked if I ever just walk with Jesus. Not to ask for anything or tell Him anything, but just to hold His hand and walk beside Him. My answer was, I don’t think so.

Jesus’ love for us can be uncomprehendable (spell check says that is not a word – insert eye roll). He doesn’t wait for us to fully love Him before He fully loves us. But we all know from experience that a love relationship that is a 2-way street so much more fulfilling.

So today, I am going to ask Jesus how I can be a better partner in our relationship.

And then I am going to listen for His answer…

<>< KC