A Melody of Love
By Susan Klein
“Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.”
Galatians 6:9
In one of Kay Arthur’s teaching videos, we are treated to the testimony of a woman from a communist country. She shares how difficult it was to share the message of Jesus at her place of employment in her homeland. She asked God for guidance in how to be a witness to these women, none of whom were a bit interested in what she had to say. He told her not to speak, but just to live out His love. So, she shared her time watching their children, she shared her meager paycheck to help others with their rent, and she loved on the women in any way she tangibly could. Many times she went back to the Lord, asking if she should be more bold in her speech, and He kept whispering to her heart to just live out His love. After a whole year of loving with actions and not with words, a coworker confronted her. She said she didn’t understand how this woman could be so kind all the time, showing endless compassion without expecting anything in return. And how could she always seem so positive when conditions were so bleak?!! Now, it was time for words.
As Kay so poignantly put it, “We need to let people hear the melody of the gospel before we give them the words.” I know in my own life, often I don’t feel like I’m being effective if I’m not sharing the words of the gospel. But, as illustrated above, sometimes actions speak more melodiously to the heart than words. This woman persisted in doing good to her fellow man (women) for a whole year before she saw the fruit of her labor. This was her opportunity to finally share the words of the gospel, when the other woman’s heart was opened and questioning. By first showing the sweet music of Christ-like love, the gospel words became that much more powerful.
Sharing Jesus by lending a helping hand or a few dollars to someone in need may be just the melody that gets their attention so we can then point them in the direction of the lyrics. God is the Songwriter. He draws people to Him and does the tugging on the heartstrings. We are merely the notes He uses in His melody of love.
GOING DEEPER:
1. Who needs to hear the love song, which God has equipped you to share?
2. Is your music drawing others to the Lyricist?
FURTHER READING:
Susan is We Women's Tuesday Morning Bible Study Coordinator and one of its teachers. She and her husband Mark lead a couples' small group in their home; she is also involved in inner city outreach.
