What is love? Have you ever asked yourself that question as it relates to how you love outwardly? Has anyone tried to silence you? I have experienced that many times. And maybe, like me, you’ve encountered those who don’t understand you or those who don’t receive it the way you intend it… or even those who refuse “how” you express love.

To think that everyone else loves the way I do and receives my heart open wide as I try hard to love and encourage others… I’ve decided must be foolish. Sometimes it makes me think “why do I even bother?” I shouldn’t, but it hurts, so I do. Have you felt that?

I should quit trying, maybe? But as quickly as that temptation pops in my head now though, God leaps in and grabs my brain along with my heart, holds tight, and says

“Here is why… You are mine.”

People can tell you, in so so so many ways, to stop sharing your heart, your passion, God … and I’ve actually had that happen. Sometimes it is even another Christian in their “nice” ways. I’m thankful I can see right through it. Because, why should I stop? Why should you stop?

How can we stop? HOW can any person stop sharing their passion?

Tell me… how can one quell what the soul has come to know, and how can I, who nearly died and this Truth swooped in to save me, deny it from being shared? How does one stop water from filling a thirst need?

One can’t. I can’t. It’s a simple truth.

I can’t stop loving.
I can’t stop sharing the One who loved me into a breathtaking existence.
I can’t stop sharing the Love that permeates every crack in my life.

I can’t. And I won’t.

BUT I’ll be a fool for the hope of love everyday if my only other choice is to be silenced. Because it is our choice to be silenced.

For God is pleased with you when, for the sake of your conscience, you patiently endure unfair treatment. — 1 Peter 2:19 NLT

I encourage you… Don’t quit. Choose not to be silenced. For we should want to please God more than man. It isn’t easy. But there’s always Grace.