Living with an open heart can surely bring relational risks. But with such risks come distinct opportunities for blessing. A person who loves freely, in the end, benefits even more than the one who receives love. This is because an open heart is a God thing. Because of love God gave His only Son – and He asks us to follow in both the risk and the reward of learning to live with an open heart.
It appears this is especially true when we meet pressing needs. This concept literally means to “compress.” So, when we see people around us who are being “pressed,” we can be sure that God is very close.
Titus 3:14: “Our people must also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, so that they will not be unfruitful.”
Hebrews 13:16: “And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
While this is a pretty straight-forward concept, making it happen is nuanced and intricate. As we keep ourselves open to loving others and meeting pressing needs we are led on a journey of careful choices, taking care to make sure we are hearing God’s voice of direction as we love. Some examples of pressing needs are when people suffer, are being tested personally, or struggling to meet personal emotional or physical or spiritual needs.
Our understanding of the “one another” in the God Story can help with our open heart. It is also important to understand our own new heart in order to address the heart of another person. Jesus’ follower John heard what his Master said about love – his gospel and letters open rivers of understanding. Enjoy some expanding self-teaching! – Dave & Burnadette