[Finding God in All Things] Day 15 – Ironclad Proof of His Love

Farmer of Hearts - Finding God in All Things

Yesterday we mentioned that God interacts with us in different roles and images in order to meet our unique needs. What evidence do we have in the Scripture that this is the nature of God? Let’s look for some clues from one of the greatest apostles in the Bible!

In the First Letter of Paul to the Corinthians, chapter 9, verses 19 to 23, he says, “For though I am free with respect to all, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though I myself am not under the law) so that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law) so that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, so that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that I might by all means save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings. “ (1 Cor 9:19-23)

This soul-stirring confession of faith by St. Paul the Apostle is probably familiar to many Christians and is also particularly touching. This proclamation makes us feel that St. Paul has such a broad mind. As an apostle, he does not demand respect from others to be one. He is willing to set aside his own status, freedom, and rights for the sake of spreading the Gospel. In order for Christ to win the most people, he is willing to accommodate the needs of everyone. He vowed: "I have become all things to all people, that I might by all means save some." For Christians dedicated to spreading the Good News, St. Paul the Apostle is a perfect example of an evangelist.

Have you ever wondered where this exemplary apostolic demeanor comes from? St. Paul reveals it in his letter to the Galatians, chapter 2, verses 19 to 20, when he says, "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Gal 2:19-20) Here, St. Paul makes it clear that because Christ loved him and sacrificed Himself for him, not only is he willing to follow Christ and imitate his example, but he also desires that his life is not for himself. He does not want to live according to his own ways and abilities but yearns to completely follow Christ. When he realizes that he cannot fulfill this desire with his own strength, he earnestly wishes to put on Christ, allowing Christ to enter his life as Lord and King. This way, he can fully transmit the spirit of Christ, the will of the Father, and allow the mighty power of Christ to permeate his thoughts, words, and actions through the Holy Spirit. Thus, he can boldly declare, "I no longer live, but Christ lives in me."

This spirit of willingly surrendering oneself completely, allowing God to use and selflessly dedicating oneself entirely, is precisely the example set by our Lord Jesus Christ for the Apostle Paul and all His followers. The spirit that St. Paul desires to become all things to all people is a manifestation of his allowing Christ to be the Lord and master of his life, which is also the manifestation of the spirit of Christ. As the Lord Jesus Christ is the perfect image of the Heavenly Father, this most pure and flawless Heart of Christ is indeed the Father's affection for us! Therefore, the Father is willing to become all things for all those He loves, even willing to send His only begotten Son to take on human flesh and human nature in the most meek and humble manner. This is done so as to engage with humanity in the closest and most thorough way possible, aiming to win the most people. This is the essence of God, and it is also the ironclad proof that God loves us and is willing to surrender Himself unconditionally and without any bottom line!

The perfect image of the Father tamed the Apostle Paul and numerous saints throughout history, inspiring them to dedicate themselves to fulfilling the Father's project of love in them and for all humanity, as a way to return the Father’s love. What about you? Are you also willing?

Reflection

In your reflection, please try to sense the sentiments of St. Paul the Apostle: that due to the boundless grace of Christ, he was compelled to sacrifice everything for the sake of the Gospel, to share the promise of the Gospel with others.

In these 15 days of reflection and drawing closer to the Lord, do you perhaps feel a deeper understanding of how God spares no effort, willing to give up everything out of love for us all?

Are you willing to imitate St. Paul the Apostle and commit yourself to fulfill the work of love that our Heavenly Father wants to unfold in you?

Today’s Prayer

O God, thank You for touching my soul today through the confession of faith of St. Paul the Apostle. It deepens my understanding of how thorough and boundless Your love for me is. For me, You truly can set aside everything, regardless of Your own status, the treatment You receive, the physical and emotional injuries You endure. I don't understand; I truly don't. Is it for me? Why?

Heavenly Father, I thank You for being willing to encounter me in different forms and images, using the most tender and intimate ways to guide and fulfill me. Please don't let me only be a receiver but unwilling to respond to Your love. Let me, like St. Paul the Apostle, be melted by Your love and inspired by the example You've set.

Lord, I am willing to become all things for those You love and for their salvation!

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The following is the “Farmer of Hearts: Finding God in All Things” team, including FLL staff and volunteers. Please kindly pray for them. May God protect them and sustain their physical, mental and spiritual well-being.

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