Do You Love Me?

At a few team meetings per month, the Employment team reads from In the Name of Jesus by Henri Nouwen. Recently, we read this excerpt:

“Before Jesus commissioned Peter to be a shepherd he asked him, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these others do?” He asked him again, “Do you love me?” And a third time he asked “Do you love me?” We have to hear that question as being central to all of our Christian ministry because it is the question that can allow us to be at the same time irrelevant and truly self-confident”.

We discussed that, as humans, we desire relationship.  Our Intake Coordinator said that she used to ask prospective Employment Program clients, “What supports do you have in your life?” Often the answer was “none”. Other times the guests noted a Mustard Seed staff member or another caseworker.

Recently, a guest told me that what he cannot take is “being looked down on”. This speaks of a need for acceptance. In our guests, this need is sometimes met with rejection. In a world so often inhospitable, we can extend hospitality by listening and withholding judgement.  What an honor it is to be a safe place for our guests.

In difficult times, we look for support from people whom we love and who love us. Imagine having a crisis in life and no one to support you.  When I imagine it, I remember that I am no different from any of our guests; I have only had different benefits, different blessings.

As humans, we all internally ask the question “do you love me?” When we reach out for help and receive support, the question is answered. We are made in the image of God, who asks this same question; therefore, we are made to answer His question with love— love for Him and love for one another. In employment coaching sessions with guests,  the real issues are not resumes, cover letters, job searches, or applications. I address these things because they are important and are the practical essence of my job. However, these things are not the most fundamental need. The real need is to share the love of God, who loved us first and calls each of us to Himself.