> There is no fear in love: but perfect love casts out fear, because fear hath punishment; and he that fears is not made perfect in love. ~ I John 4:18
On a warm afternoon two days before Easter I was filling my car with gas when a dirty, disheveled woman shuffled toward me, clutching a plastic bag to her chest. I looked around nervously hoping she wouldn’t come any closer.
“Are you alright?” I asked, hoping she wouldn’t ask for money.
“I’m fine,” she replied, as she bent over in front of my car.
She stood up, leaned toward me, and smiling, placed a shiny copper penny in the palm of my hand. She turned, shuffled to the next island, then began digging for cans in the trash bin. I stared at her. I felt disgusted by my lack of compassion. I judged this woman based on her appearance. My own self-manufactured fears drowned out any “Christian” love I claim to have. Here was another missed opportunity to serve, connect with someone, or be a vessel of God’s love and mercy. What good are my prayers and promises if I act in the same old way, do the same old things? When will God be able to depend on me?
