Power is Easy, Love is Hard
AM Psalm [120], 121, 122, 123 • PM Psalm 124, 125, 126, [127]
Micah 1:1-9 • Acts 23:12-24 • Luke 7:1-17
I currently work as a Human Resources Generalist at a local non profit. I have the ability to hire and fire, to move staff across towns, and know every detail of everyone’s lives. It can be paralyzing to have that much power in one position. And it’s absolutely possible to abuse that power with callousness and benefit your own self. There are those in this world who see and feel only power, and thankfully there are so many who use that power out of love, compassion, and kindness.
The story of the centurion asking Jesus to heal his servant is one I’ve been reading over and over for the last few weeks. And each time I read it I feel the love of the centurion on a deeper level. From the sounds of it, this centurion had a very good standing in the town and wielded substantial military and political power. This might have been someone who had the capacity to easily travel or perhaps mobilize an entire town to achieve his wants. And yet, staying at his servant’s side, he asks his friends to find Jesus and ask for help. “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. Therefore I did not presume to come to you.” This centurion, through faith and love, asked one of the most power and influential figures in history for the continuation of love and life, displaying the compassion he had for his servant.
How many people would have found a new servant or asked for material solutions to spiritual problems? We see small acts of love on a daily basis, and large exercises of power where-ever we go. But to see someone with so much power and earthy wealth turn to love and compassion when confronted with a crisis speaks volumes about the faith that they have. Wielding power is easy, but putting it aside for love takes true faith and resilience.
Written by Danica Hawthorne
Danica is beginning a new chapter of life focusing on the future by building sustainable foundations and community networks. It’s never too late in life to learn a new skill or pick up a new practice.