Active Love
By Jen Wollner
“A friend loves at all
times…”
Proverbs 17:17a (NIV)
Several years ago felt like a roller coaster
ride for me. I had faced one trial after another, including medical problems of
my own and my children. It was difficult and I had many moments when I felt
completely alone in my struggles. Of course, I wasn’t really alone. The Lord
was always right there with me. He encouraged my heart and showered miracles
and blessings upon me. His wonders were too many to recount!
One of those wonders is my girlfriends. They
supported and loved me through the worst of times. They rejoiced and cheered
with me in the best of times. They overwhelmed me with calls, visits, hugs,
meals, gifts, tears, laughter and, most importantly, prayer. They couldn’t ease
my pain, but they knew the One who could, so they prayed to Him on my behalf
when I didn’t have the strength to do it on my own. I will never know how many
hours they spent on their knees, beseeching our Heavenly Father to rain down
His grace and mercy upon me. These women were, and still are, priceless and
irreplaceable in my life.
Scripture tells us that when we go through
trials, God Himself comforts us and shows us His compassion, so that when
others go through difficult times, we know how to comfort them with that same
godly love. The Lord definitely filled my girlfriends with compassion and used
them to comfort me in my time of need. I have experienced His love through them
and, consequently, I am learning how to better extend that love to others. They
showed me what it means to actively love someone…just as Jesus Himself
demonstrated time and time again in His life here on Earth.
God promises to be with us always…in good
times and in bad. His love for us is higher than the heavens. And one way He
demonstrates His kindness is to use our girlfriends to touch our hearts and
lives. God IS love…and godly girlfriends are living reflections of it.
GOING DEEPER:
1. Think about a girlfriend in your life who
has loved and supported you during difficult circumstances. In what ways did
she meet your needs?
2. Ask God to show you who in your life needs
you to be His love and compassion to them. What specific ways could you reach
out?
FURTHER READING:
Jen and her husband are busily parenting three
elementary aged children. She serves on the leadership team for Mission: Hope,
Oakwood’s orphan care ministry.
