Bethel Music released a new song, “For the One” written by Jenn Johnson this week, and I can’t stop playing it, and I have yet to listen to it without crying.
These lyrics, “Help me to love with open arms, like You do. A love that erases all the lines and sees the truth. Oh that when they look in my eyes, they would see You. Even in just a smile they would feel the Father's love.”
The bridge, “Let all my life, tell of who You are. And the wonder of Your never-ending love. Let all my life, tell of who You are. You’re wonderful and such a good Father.”
Goodness gracious, this song is so timely for our hurting world. I have shared many times how much I love Bob Goff’s book, Everybody Always. I want to love everybody always. But I don’t. I usually love everybody until they’re mean to me, or everybody who is sweet and kind and loving. I do not typically love everybody always, with open arms. So when I listen to the words, “So let all my life, tell of who You are,” I am convicted.
Over the past few weeks, I have heard from old friends and strangers, alike, asking my opinion about politics, or sharing theirs. I welcome conversations, but I loathe confrontation. If anyone comes to me looking for a fight, I let them know they won’t find it, here. My precious Michala and I lived in turmoil for far too many years, and I just won’t do it. Because of what she and I went through, fighting makes us both physically ill. But compassionate conversations? Absolutely. I love them. People might not always like my responses, but if they are interested in my opinion, I welcome the conversations.
I need to learn not everyone wants my opinion, though, and it is rude for me to offer it up, freely.
I know I am never going to change anyone’s mind with regards to political candidates, and they will not change mine. But could my actions and words change their minds about Jesus?
Gosh, I pray so.
“Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” - John 13:35 (NLT)
If I let all my life tell of who He is, as Jenn Johnson wrote, no one will care who I think should be President. If I let all my life tell of who He is, who I want to be President will be insignificant. If I let all my life tell of who He is, my love for Him will be all that matters. Only this week have I had this epiphany; I will not sway anyone’s opinion of a political candidate, just like no one will sway my opinion. It isn’t as if anyone has ever said, “You know, I was passionately for this guy/lady, but you changed my mind, just now!”
Oh, if only we could all look at our ballots and say, “Gosh. They’re both fantastic with such great morals and integrity! I wish I knew which one I truly liked more?”
Maybe one day we will have such phenomenal politicians and candidates, we will feel that. Until then, I need to do a better job of campaigning for Jesus and no one else.
“Oh that when they look in my eyes, they would see You. Even in just a smile, they would feel the Father’s love.” - Jenn Johnson.
I have failed countless times. But my love for others, from “the difficult, creepy ones,” as Bob Goff calls them, to the misunderstood, wounded ones; to the precious, easy to love ones, will prove to the world that I am His disciple.
I want to let my life tell of who He is. He changes lives.
Jesus, not Joe. Jesus, not Donald. Jesus is the only One who can change us. He is the only One I’ll put on a pedestal, and He needs to be the only One for whom I campaign. I want to live my life, “For the One.”