“The whole point of this life is the healing of the heart’s eye through which God is seen.”
St. Augustine
I am fascinated by the apostle John, the passionate one Jesus nicknamed “son of thunder.” Scripture paints John as the disciple closest to Jesus, and we know John was the one and only disciple at the cross. John witnessed first hand Jesus’ miracles and amazing teachings, but I don’t think those are the reasons why He kept close to his Savior. While the Lord’s miraculous works and words solidified John’s faith in Him, it was Jesus’ transforming work in John’s own heart that kept him sticking to Jesus like a bee to honey. He saw, heard, and felt what loving Jesus does. Eventually, this “son of thunder” became more known as the “apostle of love.” His passion motivated by love more than anger, John experienced a personality change, a heart transformation.
Situations reveal different reactions when our hearts get a dose of Jesus transformation. There is no doubt about it: Loving Jesus changes hearts, changes lives.
“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.”
1 John 3:16
So you know what love is, Jesus Christ laid down His life.
So I know what love is, Jesus Christ laid down His life.
Throughout this Easter season, may the finishing work of the cross remind us of Christ’s transforming love. May we not just see and hear of this love, but may we feel and know it in the furthest corners of our hearts. It is a gift as real as anything on God’s green earth. No matter how quiet or passionate our personalities, may Jesus smooth our rough edges as He molds our hearts to reflect His love. And may our every action find motivation in this love.
Happy Easter, beloved.
