In
1733, a smallpox epidemic swept through Greenland, wiping out almost two-thirds
of the Inuit people—and claiming Egede’s wife as well. This shared suffering
melted Egede’s harsh demeanor, and he began to tirelessly labor to care for the
people physically and spiritually. Because his life now better represented the
stories he told them of God’s love, the Inuits could at last grasp His desire
to love them too. Even in suffering, their hearts turned to God.
Perhaps
you are like the Inuits in this story, and you are unable to see God in the
people around you. Or perhaps you are like Hans Egede, who struggled to express
love in a way that taught people about God. Knowing we are weak and needy
people, God showed us what love is like. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die
for our sins (John 3:16). That’s how much God loves you and me.
Jesus
is the perfect example of the love that is described in 1 Corinthians 13. As we
look to Him, we learn that we are loved and we learn how to love in turn.
May
I never be the barrier that blocks one’s view of God. (RBC)
