Our fiith Lent devotion is from Rhoda Goremucheche, global evaluation and research manager at Habitat for Humanity International.
As I reflected on Jesus’ commandment for us to love each other as He has loved us, I thought about how He loves.
His love is not passive or neutral. His love decides. His love acts.
Love acted when He went about doing good. Love healed the woman with the issue of blood. Love ate with the “unclean.” Love stopped, looked up at the tree and talked to Zacchaeus. At the well, love waited for the Samaritan woman. Love drove money changers from the temple. Love reasoned with Nicodemus. Love fed the 5,000 without waste. Ultimately, love hung on the cross. Love bled. Jesus laid down His life because of His love for us.
Then I thought, “What does this mean for my work with Habitat? How do I lay down my life for the families we serve (1 John 3:16–18)? I’ll never meet most of them. How do I love them?” Maybe the best way is through my work and contribution: doing everything for the Lord (Colossians 3:23). So, I’ve decided to lay down several things, like my attitude, routines, timidity and inflexibility.
I’ve been reawakened to the reality of our work — these aren’t just houses built or repaired. These are not just water facilities rehabilitated or constructed. They are not just policy positions or wins. These are not just metrics. These are life-changing actions that benefit His people — people with destinies, dreams, aspirations and plans for future generations. Therefore, love demands that I collaborate and be patient within and outside my team and that I extend and receive grace. Love demands that I learn from and with others. Love demands that I speak truth to power. Love demands that I upskill. Love demands that I live out people-centeredness in my work.
Of course, I panicked a little about how I’d pull this off. Then I remembered the Holy Spirit is our helper who comes alongside and works in us to have the will and to act to fulfil our commitments (Philippians 2:13). During Lent, as we reflect on Jesus’ ultimate act of love, let us love each other as He loved us.
Lord Jesus, You are always good. Thank You for loving us. Please help us to love each other as You have loved us. May love fuel our work at Habitat and bring glory to Your name. Amen.
