The Inconvenience of Loving

Each Christmas we hear the story of how Joseph was informed about Mary being pregnant with Jesus and his willingness to suffer the inconvenience and loss of reputation that would come from this situation.  He willingly took on the responsibility of a son that wasn’t biologically his and raised him. Listen to these familiar words once again.

This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly.

As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 

From Matthew 1

Joseph simply got going and did what God asked of him.  In this Christmas season I wonder how many of us are willing to simply do what’s needed of us even though it might be inconvenient. 

Are we willing to shoulder a bit extra so someone else will do okay?  How are we taking care of our neighbour as Jesus taught us when he told us that we were to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and then love our neighbour as ourselves.

Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  Matthew 22:37-39

Heavenly Father, You are the first great example of one who loves and who took responsibility for something that wasn’t Your fault.  That’s the whole story behind Jesus taking on flesh and becoming a vulnerable baby and dying on the cross in payment for our sins.  You took responsibility for us so we could find forgiveness and healing and a relationship with You that will last forever.

We’re grateful for examples like Joseph who were willing to listen to You and to respond in quiet obedience to what You told Him to do.  Help us to be willing to be unselfish as he was, to do the right thing to act in line with Your heart today. 

We don’t know what You will ask of us but we know that if You ask it, there’s a good reason, and what You promise that goes along with our following Your instructions is well worth any sacrifice we may need to make.   Amen

Well today, let’s quiet our hearts to hear God’s voice and then with great trust, take on whatever responsibility He shows us.