At OIM, we daily seek to love and serve those who are at-risk and street-engaged in the Ottawa core, as we continually seek the Lord’s strength and direction in our service. It is all too easy to attempt to do the Lord’s work in our own love and in our own strength. But HIS love is even greater and further reaching than our own!
While it is true that God has designed humankind to LOVE one another, it is through the gift of God’s Holy Spirit that He gives us the capacity to share with others an even greater love than our own – HIS love!
In the book of Galatians we read that one of the key indicators of the Holy Spirit living within and working through us (the fruit of the Spirit)… is LOVE!
“But the fruit of the Spirit is LOVE, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)
The Holy Spirit not only gives to us His love, joy and peace to enjoy, but He also gives us a greater capacity to radiate that love, joy and peace to others. This has been my experience as I am continually learning to give more and more control of my life to Christ!
“May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else…” (1 Thessalonians 3:12)
This week, my encouragement to each of us, including myself, is to seek a closer walk with the Author of life and love – the Lord Jesus Christ! He gives us His love and the Holy Spirit to increase our capacity to love others.
And please pray for the staff and volunteers at OIM, as we seek to serve Him on the front lines of the Ottawa downtown core…in His love and His strength.
"We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters, as is only fitting, because your faith is increasing abundantly, and the love of each and every one of you toward one another grows ever greater." (2 Thessalonians 1:3)
~Kevin, Youth Internship Coordinator
