“But [the healed leper] went out and began to talk freely about it, and to spread the news, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in desolate places, and people were coming to him from every quarter.” -Mark 1:45
He knows fame. He knows what it’s like to be constantly swamped by people, mainly seeking what they can get from him and not his relationship. But his heart still burned for every single person he came in contact with. He loved each whole-heartedly. What would it be like to push through crowds that were made up of your heart’s desire? It doesn’t make sense that he loves us like that. But I want that mantle of love. . . even for the most annoying crowds. And as I’m being filled by him. . . I’m starting to understand. . . and my heart is growing in such a way that. . . I am able to love people. Oh, but God pushed through a crowd, and not only saw everyone’s potential (which I often do), he sees everyone’s hearts. He sees the horrible bits and the darkened weaknesses which are in every person. . . but also the flowering seed of good.
And that flowering seed of goodness? It really would make just about anyone love them.
We just need to look at crowds like Jesus did.
A group of individuals waiting to be loved.
I don’t want to be afraid any longer.