Hebrews 3:13 – But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. (NIV)

One more log should do it, I thought, as I grabbed a log from the wood stack. A few smouldering embers were flickering in the fireplace. Normally, I would have let them die out; but a guest was coming shortly, and I decided that one burning log would create a cozy atmosphere without making it get too warm.

That's not what happened. Instead of bursting into flame, the log smouldered … and smouldered. It turned black and produced smelly smoke. Perhaps it was a bit damp, and it might have burnt well if it had been surrounded by a blaze of burning logs. Finally, I removed it and threw it outside in the snow. It had become a useless black lump of charred wood.

People can be like that log. For some reason, they can't ignite into a fire of love. We've all encountered those who emit more "smelly smoke" than warm love. It's tempting to criticize them and pull away from them. They disturb us. But that merely makes it harder for them. Perhaps they are bogged down with anxieties, resentment, shame, or guilt. They may have known little of love in their own lives. Maybe they have become hardened by sin's deceitfulness.

As Christians, we do not have the option of tossing such people aside, like I tossed the log into the snow. The unlovable person is still our neighbour, and we have a duty to draw alongside of such people and offer a flicker of Christ's love through our warm, hospitable presence.

Perhaps we see ourselves as the log which couldn't burn. We get discouraged, thinking, I just don't have what it takes. So we isolate ourselves and don't bother trying, assuming that we will fail or be rejected. It becomes our habit. But in doing so, we deprive others of what God Himself would like to do through us. Love, after all, comes from God and burns within us as we immerse ourselves in His presence.

Love is much like fire. It ignites and grows in an environment of relationships which exude such qualities as patience, forgiveness, empathy, generosity, and encouragement. That's the place where "damp logs" can get dried. It's where injured people can be healed and forgiven, and then flourish with gratitude and love. That's ultimately how the glory of God touches down in our world — through people ignited with His love.

Herein lies our God-given purpose: to become logs burning brightly together amidst people who have become bogged down with coldness and darkness.

Prayer: Lord, thank You that You don't toss us aside when our flame dims and smoulders. We thank You that in Your mercy, You invite us to open our hearts and renew the spark of Your love, so that we can radiate with the qualities of love. May that become our one burning passion. Amen.

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About the author:

Diane Eaton <dianeeaton6@gmail.com>
Paisley, Ontario, Canada
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