The Parable of the Spoons
A man was talking with the Lord one day and said, "Lord, I would like to know what Heaven and Hell are like. The Lord took the man to two doors. He then opened one of the doors and the man looked inside. In the middle of the room was a large round table and on the table was a large pot of stew, which smelled delicious and made the man's mouth water.
There people seated around the table were thin and sickly. They appeared to be famished, undernourished and weakened. They were holding spoons with very long handles that were strapped to their arms. Unable to bend at their elbows, each of them found it impossible to reach into the pot of stew and take a spoonful. The man trembled at the sight of their misery and suffering.
The Lord said to the man, "You have just seen hell."
The people were equipped with the same long handled spoons, but the people here were well nourished, plump, laughing and talking. The man said, "I don't understand." "It is simple," said the Lord, "It requires but one skill. They have all learned, that the secret to their joy, is in loving one another. And with that love they have learned to feed one another!"
We can never really know the hellish conditions some people are forced to live in. Nor, can we ever really know the pain that someone is experiencing. However, there is something we can do, without truly knowing or understanding their sorrows! We can extend the love of Jesus!
In fact, when we love as Jesus did, everyone benefits. I don't know of anyone who doesn't want to be loved! It is the love of God that persuades us to feed the hungry, give drink to those who are thirsty and clothe the naked.
Love is like a 'verb' which perhaps is the most important part of a sentence. A verb asserts something about the (subject or person) of the sentence and expresses it in actions. We all have something to offer to another, sometimes it is just a kind word, a hug or even a smile.
I would urge everyone, to truly try loving one another, as Jesus did! Keep looking for someone 'You' can bless. Even if you are in the midst of a trial, or in pain, take sometime to love someone today! You will find that in blessing others, you receive a blessing yourself!!
I will warn you, there are people who are not ready to accept love, I've learned that most of them have been hurt deeply. They either don't trust when someone loves them or they don't know how to respond to real love. DON'T give up on that person who is not ready to be loved, this is when you get on your knees and ask God to love them and ask God to show you how to love them. It might take time, but you will be surprised how love can change a life!!
Never give up on people! What we can't do, God can and will do!! God's Word states: And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Galatians 6:9 So, find someone who needs encouragement today! I promise, God's blessings will also fall upon you!!