What Love Will Do

When he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. So many gathered around that there was no longer room for them, not even in front of the door; and he was speaking the word to them. Then some people came, bringing to him a paralysed man, carried by four of them. And when they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and after having dug through it, they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’ Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, ‘Why does this fellow speak in this way? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?’ At once Jesus perceived in his spirit that they were discussing these questions among themselves; and he said to them, ‘Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, “Your sins are forgiven”, or to say, “Stand up and take your mat and walk”? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins’—he said to the paralytic— ‘I say to you, stand up, take your mat and go to your home.’ And he stood up, and immediately took the mat and went out before all of them; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, ‘We have never seen anything like this!’ Mark 2:1-12

There are many stories of mothers and fathers having Herculean strength to lift a car and rescue a child from an accident. Love will make us do amazing things, impossible things to save the life of a loved one. Some give kidneys and other organs, others raise money for the necessary surgery, run marathons, swim miles and dangerous waters, all for the love of another.

The folks that sought out Jesus were not deterred by a little crowding and a roof. They wanted healing for their friend so much that they were willing to deal with the consequences of their actions. They tore through a roof, which they would have to repair, gladly yo save their friend. When we love we are willing to deal with the consequences of our actions. Their faith was the faith needed to free him from his pain and suffering. Jesus welcomed their faith and his willingness to be loved so much he would put his life in his friends hands and in the Saviors. The religious leaders were caught up in an argument and they missed the power and the love that surrounded them.

Today I ask God to help me set aside all arguments and seek the love, power and forgiveness that surrounds me today. May we all let arguments and ego go to the transforming and healing power of God's love today.