Note: I’m posting this both here and on the Bouncing Back blog. I think it’s a big deal, and I apologize for the duplication to those who subscribe to both blogs.
One of the true highlights of the 500-mile IJM Freedom Tour was our visit to International Justice Mission (IJM) headquarters) and the opportunity to meet some of the individuals who accomplish some of this organization’s amazing work. Our meeting concluded with lunch and some time for Q&A.
Someone asked how the IJM field staff handles faith issues. I thought the answer was terrific. I’m paraphrasing, but here’s what I heard:
IJM is a Christian organization. Honoring God and following Jesus is at the heart of our core values. However, we rescue victims and provide legal and aftercare services with absolutely no strings attached. We believe God hates injustice for all people.
If someone wants to know why we do what we do or wants to know about the gospel, of course we’re willing to share Jesus with them. But that’s never a condition for receiving help or services from us. We believe we’re called to offer a cup of cold water in Jesus’ name to someone who needs it, no questions asked, no strings attached.
Often our clients are grateful and eager to do anything to “repay” us, but we don’t believe in using our assistance to coerce or manipulate. That kind of conditional love isn’t really love at all.
I’m not an “amen” kind of guy, but that got an AMEN from me.
We must offer a meal to one who’s hungry, a drink to one who’s thirsty, and freedom to a slave without holding them hostage to a sermon. We’re called to be Jesus in blue jeans and t-shirts in a world badly in need of love.
I absolutely believe every person needs a life-saving relationship with Jesus, and I think my role in that often is to display His love by passing along that cup of cold water–with no strings attached, and then trust the Holy Spirit to work in a softened, prepared heart.
Conditional love isn’t really love at all.
Can I get an AMEN?
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amen!