"This
is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved
you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down
one's life for his friends. You are my friends if you do
whatever I command you." John 15:12-14
Dear
Friends,
The
very first step in drawing others into God's love for them
is to become their "friend." We must love as God
has loved us. You cannot hope to be a “best”
friend to someone unless you first see in each individual
the image of the Creator. This places an immeasurable value
on each person and gives birth to a sincere development
of relationship because they truly matter to you.
Friendship
is a key to the heart. Therefore it is a trust which must
be cherished and deeply respected. People must be able to
have confidence in you and the care that you give their
problems, concerns, and sorrows. Your first purpose in entering
into a relationship with people should be to enjoy the unique
individual God has created.
Only
a sincere friendship can keep the heart soft to the leading
of the Holy Spirit. It cannot be your agenda or mine it
must be what God alone wants for that individual's life.
We are simply privileged to be a vessel by which He can
touch hearts and minds. Regardless of the outcome, if your
heart is committed in service to God, you will be blessed
beyond measure through a ministry of friendship.
Christ
was our example in mission he walked and talked with people
in a way that drew them into a relationship with Him. He
took a personal interest in each person because they were
of great worth to Him. In the book, The Desire of Ages,
Ellen White writes of his ministry style, "His (Christ's)
tender compassion fell with a touch of healing upon weary
and troubled hearts. Even amid the turbulence of angry enemies
He was surrounded with an atmosphere of peace. The beauty
of His countenance, the loveliness of His character, above
all, the love expressed in look, and tone, drew to Him all
who were not hardened in unbelief. Had it not been for the
sweet, sympathetic spirit that shone out in every look and
word, He would not have attracted the large congregations
that He did. The afflicted ones who came to Him felt that
He linked His interest with theirs as a faithful and tender
friend, and then desired to know more of the truths He taught."
Thank you for your interest in Spiritual Ambassadors.
If you would like more information about what it means to
be a Spiritual Ambassador at Florida Hospital, click
here.
God bless you,
Marti
Jones
Coordinator of Spiritual Nurture at Florida
Hospital
The
very first step in drawing others into God's love for them
is to become their "friend." We must love as God
has loved us. You cannot hope to be a “best”
friend to someone unless you first see in each individual
the image of the Creator. This places an immeasurable value
on each person and gives birth to a sincere development
of relationship because they truly matter to you.
Christ
was our example in mission he walked and talked with people
in a way that drew them into a relationship with Him. He
took a personal interest in each person because they were
of great worth to Him. In the book, The Desire of Ages,
Ellen White writes of his ministry style, "His (Christ's)
tender compassion fell with a touch of healing upon weary
and troubled hearts. Even amid the turbulence of angry enemies
He was surrounded with an atmosphere of peace. The beauty
of His countenance, the loveliness of His character, above
all, the love expressed in look, and tone, drew to Him all
who were not hardened in unbelief. Had it not been for the
sweet, sympathetic spirit that shone out in every look and
word, He would not have attracted the large congregations
that He did. The afflicted ones who came to Him felt that
He linked His interest with theirs as a faithful and tender
friend, and then desired to know more of the truths He taught."
