By: Stephany Frederick
*Every week Ray Majoran features someone who is using their artistic talents to glorify the Lord, to share a picture and their thoughts. Stephany’s thoughts were just too good not to share. Enjoy. Blessings, Ed 😊
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV)
To love people is to give them what is best for them. Over time, I have realized that one of the greatest gifts we can give is the truth. Telling the truth is not always easy. Many people believe that truth should make an individual feel better, but truth should not be centered on ourselves or others—it should be centered on God.
“To love well is to lovingly tell and show others that the greatest treasure in all of reality is our all-satisfying God.” John Piper.
When I first started serving at Elim, I felt overwhelmed by the circumstances people were living in. I found myself thinking, “How is this even possible? We need to find people different jobs and help them get out of the dump.” But the gentle voice of the Holy Spirit challenged my way of thinking—shaped by what I thought was best for them—and whispered, “I won’t take the people out, but I will bring the church here.”
That moment opened my eyes to see their deepest need. More than anything, they needed the church to tell and show them the all-satisfying love of God. It also taught me something profound: God’s greatest answer to human need is not merely a change in circumstances, but the transforming presence of Christ in the midst of those circumstances. While He certainly cares about physical needs and often provides for them, our deepest need is to know Him and be satisfied in Him.
I believe God can use anyone to fulfill this purpose. He is not limited by our capacity, gifting, personality, or speaking abilities. So do not focus on the immediate results. God’s work may look like a tiny seed hidden beneath the ground today, but one day you may be amazed to see the mighty oak tree that grew from it—whether in this life or in heaven.
So my encouragement to you is this: love well with what you have, knowing that the greatest need is to know more of the God who demonstrated the greatest and most satisfying love through Christ. Let us point people not merely to a better life, but to the One who is Life itself.
Walking With Jesus 