Sabbath Devotional :: Love That Knows No Bounds

A few weeks ago, I had an interesting experience at the temple. As I entered the front door and handed my recommend to the man at the front desk, another woman walked up next to me and said that she was there seeking a priesthood blessing. She is no longer an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, nor did she have any interest in becoming one, but she said she had come to the only place she could think of because she was in desperate need of peace.

I offered to wait with her in the lobby, and we had a few minutes to talk. As I gave her a tearful hug goodbye and walked into the temple, I was completely overcome by a brief glimpse of God’s deep love for her. I sobbed throughout the rest of my temple service that day, moved by a deeper understanding that Jesus Christ’s message of peace is truly for all of God’s children! His love knows no bounds. His sacrifice was infinite and eternal. And He wants us to share it with all of God’s children.

In Matthew 10:8, Jesus commanded His disciples, “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils; freely ye have received, freely give.” He then adds a familiar reminder about not worrying about carrying purse or scrip or shoes and focusing instead on spreading peace abroad. I think it is not insignificant that He specifically tells them to minister to the needs of all freely, without payment, even at the expense of their own basic needs. Ultimately, Christ wants us all to have equal access to Him and His atoning love. As His disciples, we are to impose no admissions fees, no barriers to entry, no stinginess or withholding of any blessings. His sacrifice is sufficient payment. Our job is simply to share His love and peace with all who need it.

Human nature often causes us to draw lines that divide or separate us from one another, based on any number of things like religion, politics, nationality, language, profession, geography, income, race, gender, etc. But if we are ever to become like God, this is one of those tendencies of the natural wo/man that we must work diligently to change in ourselves.

This week, as we think of ways to follow Christ’s example and light the whole world, we can make a deliberate effort to express love that knows no bounds. We can show humble gratitude for all of the blessings we have received so freely and so easily, simply because of the grace of God. Then we can open our arms and our hearts widely, reach beyond our own spheres of influence, and go to work breaking down whatever barriers make it more difficult for others around the world to draw near to the Savior and experience the peace only He can give.