Last Sunday, as Cliff preached a simple message on loving one another in another little village church (no more than re-used canvas, wooden sticks and a zinc roof), I think both he and I felt the same way: we weren’t sure if what he was sharing was making any impact on the crowd at all. After all, just a week ago, he was delivering a powerful message to a village church packed to the brim with an enthusiastic crowd who was cheering him on. This time, the crowd was small, mainly consisting of children, and it was unusually quiet.
After he ended his message, I went to the pulpit to share a story too. I confessed, that just a day ago, when Cliff was preparing his sermon, I had started a worthless quibble with him as I had harbored unforgiveness in my heart. I was bitter. I shared how he had exemplified that love to me by the forgiveness and grace he extended to me, even though he was not in the wrong. The crowd started to soften.
Even then, the applause and raucous cheers came mainly from the front row of pastors. But who would have thought, that at the end of our message, a Ugandan couple with two children, bravely and without anyone’s prompting, walked forward to share with everyone that they had been separated for the past six months due to unforgiveness… and now, in tears, had decided to be reconciled to each other. What a testimony!
We are both learning, that in all we do, it is not about us- not about how glib we are, how much we have to offer or how big a crowd we speak in front of; but about a big God who works through broken and empty vessels like us, so that His love through us can touch broken hearts and transform lives.
Thank you Cliff, for being a living demonstration and inspiration of love to me and many others, just as what was prophesied to you just 3 months after we married- that through your love to me, you would be a role model to many.
Love you.
“ A new commandment I give to you,
that you love one another;
as I have loved you, that you also love one another.”
– John 13:34
Beautiful story, and praise God that you and Cliff can be salt and light to the people in your new community.
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” – 2 Cor 4:7