There Are Too Many Rules
My cousin and I took an Uber to Little Italy last night and we were able to have a deep conversation about Jesus with our driver. He shared a few things about his life such as his experience with divorce, the people he had to kill in war in Iran, and his heart to follow Jesus but that it was too hard. “There are too many rules, do not lie, do not look at girls, do not do this and that.” I told him, if you focus on the rules, you lose sight of your love and relationship with Jesus. And without Him, nothing is possible.
I shared my testimony of being molested by a family member. After 22 years of suppressing memories I didn't wasn't to face, Jesus brought it to the surface so that I can give it to him. He always us to face our fears so that we become fearless. And not only did he allow me to give him my hurt, pain, and betrayal, but he allowed me to extend forgiveness to someone who, in my eyes, didn't deserve it. What I thought was too hard, was made possible with Jesus.
He then shared how he was hurt by the church. He shared that he wanted the priest to divorce he and his wife. The priest stated that Catholics don’t believe in divorce, therefore he was not willing. He shared that his marriage was broken and he didn't know what else to do.
Divorce is not something we believe or not believe. Divorce - although permissible in circumstances of a hard heart (Matthew 19:8) - breaks the heart of our Father. It breaks his heart because marriage is a covenant, in the same way Jesus made a covenant to never leave or forsake us.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your Gd goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 3:16 When we sin, cheat, lie, and betray Jesus, he sees us and responds with love. We ought to love like our Father. We ought to love people selflessly, in spite of what they have done. In the same way our Father loves us.
We are so quick to receive, but are we equally quick to give?
His love is relentless. It overcomes evil, it covers sin and screams mercy over judgment. What is too hard is impossible for man, is possible through Him (Luke 18:27).
Before we were dropped off, we prayed over our driver. We shook hands, he said thank you, and we left.
Where you sew seeds or water them, God brings the increase.
