Jesus Had A Heart!

One of the amazing things about our lives is that we are doing life with such a variety of people with varying personalities, passions….and quirks!

One of the most challenging things about our lives is that we are doing life with such a variety of people with varying personalities, passions….and quirks!

I am by nature…..an extrovert. I LOVE being with people.

Lots and Lots of People.

There are times, however, where I find myself just exhausted from trying to relate to such a variety of personality types…all with varying opinions and interests….and….

Those….quirks.

I spent some time reflecting on just  how Jesus managed all those personality types.

Hmm, maybe that is why He would go away by Himself to meet with His Father? Maybe even Jesus needed to recharge and get a His Father’s  perspective….about their lives…

…as well as those quirks.

Jesus had a heart for people…a very very big heart. Check it out...

*Jesus had a heart for the PRODIGALS…He stood watch and then He ran to them. (Luke 15)

* Jesus had a heart for the LOST….He left the 99 to go in search.  (Luke 15)

*Jesus had a heart for the OUTCAST woman….He went to the well at high noon to offer her living water. (John 4)

*Jesus had a heart for a church leader with QUESTIONS…He met him on a roof at night, to give answers. (John 3)

*Jesus had a heart for those whose DISEASES WERE SOCIALLY NOT ACCEPTABLE  (Lepers)….and He healed them. (Luke 17)

*Jesus had a heart for the ADULTERER….He defended her as a person and told her to sin no more. (John 8)

*Jesus had a heart for CHILDREN who were told to go away….He told us to become like children in our approach towards God. (Matthew 19)

*Jesus had a heart for the shepherds who were THE LAST TO KNOW…and He visited them first with news of His birth. (Luke 2)

* Jesus had a heart for the CRIMINAL on the cross….and He ushered him into paradise that day. (Luke 23)

*Jesus had a heart for a CHEATING TAX collector….and He invited Himself to dinner, causing a heart to change. (Luke 19)

*Jesus had a heart for the UNEDUCATED…. And He invited them to “Follow Me”…. and then He built the early church on these men. (Matthew 4)

*Jesus had a heart for the MENTALLY ILL and DEMONIZED….and He set them free. Mark 9)

*Jesus had a heart for those with DISABILITIES….and He healed them. (4 gospels!)

*Jesus had a heart for those who Drove THE NAILS in His hands…and He forgave. (Luke 23)

*Jesus had a heart for a servant CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE ….and He restored an ear to a head. (Luke 22)

*Jesus had a heart for the HUNGRY….and He fed them. (Matthew 14)

*Jesus had a heart for the one LOCKED IN FEAR..and He calmed the storm. Mark 4)

*Jesus had a heart for the one DISCOURAGED AT WORK…and He caused so many fish to be caught that nets were breaking. (John 21)

*Jesus had a heart for the RICH….moving one to offer a tomb for His burial. (Matthew 27)

The more I considered how Jesus had a heart for each person He had created, the more I felt convicted in the following two areas:

1. It is not Biblical for me to dwell on thought patterns that would ever say, “God doesn’t care about me. I just don’t matter.”

Jesus has a HEART FOR ME!

2. What is my responsibility towards those who are so different than me, those with varying personalities, passions…and those quirks?

I need to have A HEART FOR THEM….Just like Jesus!

Jesus had a heart.
He noticed each person.
He was moved by compassion.
…and He did something about it.

What….a challenge for me….Father give me a heart for others too.
​
(in spite of…their quirks)
-and yes, I hear you, I have quirks too:)