In the
book Kisses from Katie, Katie Davis recounts the joy of moving
to Uganda and adopting several Ugandan girls. One day, one of her daughters
asked, “Mommy, if I let Jesus come into my heart, will I explode?” At first,
Katie said no. When Jesus enters our heart, it is a spiritual event.
However, after
she thought more about the question, Katie explained that when we decide to
give our lives and hearts to Jesus “we will explode with love, with compassion,
with hurt for those who are hurting, and with joy for those who rejoice.” In essence,
knowing Christ results in a deep care for the people in our world.
The Bible
challenges us to “rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep”
(Rom. 12:15). We can consistently display this loving response because of the
Holy Spirit’s work in our hearts. When we receive Christ, the Holy Spirit comes
to live inside us. The apostle Paul described it this way, “Having believed [in
Christ,] you were sealed with the Holy Spirit” (Eph. 1:13).
Caring for
others—with God’s supernatural assistance—shows the world that we are His
followers (John 13:35). It also reminds us of His love for us. Jesus said, “As
I have loved you, ... you also love one another” (v.34).
Love given reflects love received. (ODB)
